LONG GONE TRUCK TUNES

By Poet/Artist/Truck Driver Trevor Hardwick

When I was 19 or so, I drove a dump truck around my home town on a regular pit to pit round trip.  Eight rounds per day was the goal, five to six days a week.  One of the ways I used to pass the time was to sing songs back and forth with other drivers on the C.B.  It soon became obvious to the others that I was a fan of old trucking songs.  Then it became a challenge for them to try to stump me on an old song that they thought I wouldn’t know.  It was lots of fun being known as the “kid” on channel 22 that could sing (or butcher) a verse or two of just about any old trucking song you could think of.  This poem tips a hat at those classics that never really get old to me – and gives a wink and a nod to those who help keep them alive.

 

LONG GONE SONGS
By Trevor Hardwick

I want to tell you something, and I want to make it clear.
I’m gettin’ disappointed, with the music that I hear.
There’s no more truckin’ music, there’s no more drivin’ songs.
There’s no more ditties written, ‘bout the trips that take so long.

So bring back ol’ Dave Dudley, and bring back Red Sovine.
I wanna hear that story, ‘bout the Phantom 309.
I miss the Widow-maker, and Tombstone Every Mile.
I miss the Girl on the Billboard, who’s wearing just her smile.

I’d like to hear some Convoy, how they won’t pay no toll.
I’d like to hear Red Simpson, singin’ Roll Truck Roll.
So bring back truckin’ music, DJ, I beg of you.
I wanna hear a song about, a Double Clutchin’ Fool.

Gear Jammer and the Hobo, or how ‘bout Giddy Up Go.
I’ve even got a puppy, and I named him Little Joe.
There are some out there trying, I guess I’d have to say.
Like Dale Watson, Leland Martin, and Joey Holiday.

So play me Stone Cold Fingers, and I will sing along.
Don’t bother playin’ songs about, somebody’s Done me Wrong.
Just play a song by Hank Snow, ‘cause I’ve Been Everywhere.
It sure has been a while ago, since I heard Teddy Bear.

What was the name of that song, it’s got a tune that sticks?
I think it was about a truck stop, out on Sixty-Six.
What did they call that waitress, I think her name was Flo.
She’s servin’ truckers, talkin’ ‘bout, How Fast Them Trucks Will Go.

That was some good-time music, and I just can’t believe.
That no one seems to play, Eastbound and Down by Jerry Reed.
I miss those trucking anthems, I miss the stories told.
I miss the rhythm of a song, like Six Days on the Road.

So DJ play Dick Curless, a song like Travelin’ Man.
Or Big Wheel Cannon Ball, might be a better plan.
I’ll be quite honest with you, If you’ll cut me some slack.
I even like Kay Adams’ song, about a Little Pink Mack.

I got the White Line Fever, when I was just a kid.
I got Freightliner Fever, the way my daddy did.
I like my truckin’ music, I wanna hear some more.
I’ll follow Rubber Duck and Pigpen, right through heaven’s door.