Alabama – Roll On

About The Song

Alabama, a name synonymous with classic country music, has given us countless hits that capture the heart of the American road. Among these, “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” is an iconic anthem that celebrates the life of a long-haul trucker. Released in 1984 as the title track of their album “Roll On”, this song has become a beloved staple of country radio and a symbol of the open road.

“Roll On” paints a vivid picture of the lonely life of a truck driver. The lyrics, penned by Dave Loggins, evoke images of endless highways, distant cities, and the unwavering determination of those who make their living behind the wheel. The song’s narrator expresses a deep sense of longing for home while also finding solace in the freedom of the open road.

The melody of “Roll On” is both driving and melodic, perfectly capturing the rhythm of the highway. The instrumentation is full and rich, featuring a prominent pedal steel guitar that adds a touch of nostalgia. The harmonies are tight and polished, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie.

One of the most striking aspects of “Roll On” is its universal appeal. While the song is clearly rooted in the country music tradition, its themes of home, longing, and the American spirit resonate with people from all walks of life. It’s a song that can transport listeners to a place of adventure and independence.

Alabama’s ability to connect with their audience on such a personal level is a testament to their talent as songwriters and performers. “Roll On” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Whether you’ve ever driven a truck or simply dreamed of hitting the open road, this song is sure to evoke a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia.

Video

Lyric

You got it
Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on, Daddy, “til you get back home
Roll on family, roll on crew
Roll on, Mama, like I asked you to do
And roll on, eighteen-wheeler, roll on

Well, it’s Monday morning
He’s kissin’ Mama goodbye
He’s up and gone with the sun
Daddy drives an eighteen-wheeler
And he’s off on a Midwest run (you got it)

And three sad faces gather ’round Mama
They ask her when Daddy’s comin’ home
Daddy drives an eighteen-wheeler
And they sure miss him when he’s gone (yeah, they do)

Ah, but he calls them every night
And he tells them that he loves them
He taught ’em this song to sing

Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on, Daddy, ’til you get back home
Roll on family, roll on crew
Roll on, Mama, like I asked you to do
And roll on, eighteen-wheeler, roll on (roll on)

Well, it’s Wednesday evening
Mama’s waitin’ by the phone
It rings, but it’s not his voice
Seems the highway patrol has found a jackknifed rig
In a snow bank in Illinois (that’s right)

But the driver was missin’
And the search had been abandoned
For the weather had everything stalled
And they had checked all the houses and the local motels
When they had some more news they’d call (that’s right)

And she told them when they found him to tell him
That she loved him
And she hung up the phone singin’

Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on, Daddy, ’til you get back home
Roll on family, roll on crew
Roll on, Mama, like I asked you to do
And roll on, eighteen-wheeler, roll on

Mama and the children will be waiting up all night long
Thinkin’ nothing but the words just comin’
With the ringin’ of the telephone
Oh, but the Man Upstairs was listening
When Mama asked Him to bring Daddy home

And when the call came in
It was Daddy on the other end
Askin’ her if she had been singin’ the song, singin’

Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on, Daddy, ’til you get back home
Roll on family, roll on crew
Roll on, Mama, like I asked you to do
And roll on eighteen-wheeler

Roll on highway, roll on along
Roll on, Daddy, ’til you get back home
Roll on family, roll on crew
Roll on, Mama, like I asked you to do
And roll on, eighteen-wheeler, roll on (roll on)

Eighteen-wheeler
Eighteen-wheeler
Eighteen-wheeler
Eighteen-wheeler