Big Rig Beats: Hit the Road with These Classic Truck Driving Songs

When you’re spending long hours on the road, nothing keeps the wheels turning like a killer playlist.

Whether you’re hauling freight across the country or just enjoying the open highway, these classic trucker songs will have you tapping the dashboard and singing along. 

Spend the next 2.5 hours listening to these 35 timeless tunes celebrating life behind the wheel.

Top 35 Truck Driver Songs

1. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash (1957)

Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is a legendary track that resonates with anyone who’s longed for freedom. Its themes of longing for the open road make it a favorite among truckers. 

2. Six Days on the Road – Dave Dudley (1963)

“Six Days on the Road” is one of the original truck-driving songs. With lyrics about long hauls and the joys of getting home, this track is a tune that every truck driver can sing along to.

3. Roll Truck Roll – Red Simpson (1966)

This song perfectly captures the essence of life on the road, narrating the journey of a trucker eager to get back home to his loved ones. It’s a song that speaks to the heart of every truck driver who’s ever counted the miles until they’re home.

4. Truck Drivin Cat With Nine Wives – Charlie Walker (1968)

This track is a playful tune that stands out in the world of truck-driving songs. Combining humor with a catchy rhythm, this song tells the story of a truck-driving cat who’s always one step ahead of the game—and his nine wives! 

5. Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones (1969)

A rock classic that’s become a staple on many truck drivers’ playlists. The song’s lyrics tell the tale of a wild romance with a “honky tonk woman,” capturing the rebellious spirit that often accompanies life on the road.

6. Me & Bobby McGee – Roger Miller (1969)

Roger Miller’s “Me & Bobby McGee” is a heartfelt rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s classic. The lyrics explain a journey with Bobby McGhee, capturing the freedom and loneliness of life on the road. As the miles pass by, the bittersweet realization that “freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose” captures the essence of the trucker’s life—full of adventure, but also tinged with the loneliness that comes with it.

7. Truckin’ – The Grateful Dead (1970)

Truckin’ is a laid-back tune that celebrates the trucking lifestyle. The Grateful Dead’s classic tune not only celebrates the trucking life but also became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the ’70s.

8. Midnight Ride – The Allman Brothers Band (1970)

“Midnight Rider” is one of The Allman Brothers Band’s most iconic tracks. The lyrics tell the story of a man who’s constantly on the move, never looking back, much like the life of a trucker who spends countless nights on the road.

9. Country Roads – John Denver (1971)

John Denver’s “Country Roads” is an ode to the beautiful backroads that truckers often find themselves driving through. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and melody make it a fan favorite for truckers and non-truckers all over the country.

10. Willin’ – Little Feat (1971)

“Willin’” by Little Feat is a laid-back tune about a trucker who’s seen it all. The song’s easygoing vibe and lyrics about life on the road make it a great addition to any truck driving playlist.

11. Space Truckin’ – Deep Purple (1972)

Taking truck driving to the cosmos, “Space Truckin’” by Deep Purple is a hard rock classic that imagines a journey beyond Earth. The driving guitar riffs and space-themed lyrics make it a unique addition to any trucker’s playlist.

12. Highway Star – Deep Purple (1972)

Released on the same album as “Space Truckin’,” “Highway Star” is the ultimate anthem for speed and power on the open road. With blazing guitar solos and a fast-paced rhythm, it’s perfect for truckers who love the rush of the highway.

13. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

This Southern rock anthem by Lynyrd Skynyrd is perfect for driving through the South or anywhere in the United States. With its iconic guitar riff and sing-along chorus, “Sweet Home Alabama” is a staple in the entire country.

14. Convoy – C.W. McCall (1975)

No truck driving playlist is complete without “Convoy.” This novelty song, with its iconic CB radio chatter and the story of the “Rubber Duck,” sparked a nationwide trucking craze and even inspired a movie. It’s the anthem of the trucking industry and still gets drivers tapping the dashboard.

15. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (1975)

The lyrics of this iconic tune tell the story of two characters, Wendy and the narrator, who dream of escaping their town and finding something more fulfilling on the highways ahead.

16. Life in the Fast Lane – Eagles (1976)

An ode to life on the road, with lyrics about living on the edge and embracing the thrill of living life in the fast lane—perfect for those fast-paced highway stretches.

17. Teddy Bear – Red Sovine (1976)

Red Sovine’s “Teddy Bear” is a tear-jerker of a trucker ballad. The story of a little boy connecting with truck drivers over the CB radio is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, making it an unforgettable addition to the trucking song catalog.

18. East Bound and Down – Jerry Reed (1977)

Made famous by the movie Smokey and the Bandit, “East Bound and Down” is a fast-paced, high-energy track that captures the urgency and thrill of a truck driver outrunning the law. Jerry Reed’s twangy vocals and infectious beat made this song an instant classic.

19. Highway to Hell – AC/DC (1979)

When the road gets tough, crank up the volume and let AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” fuel your fire. This rock classic is perfect for those stretches of highway where the miles seem endless.

20. Freightliner Fever – Dave Dudley (1980)

Dave Dudley, the king of truck driving songs, delivers again with “Freightliner Fever.” This tune perfectly encapsulates the life of a trucker and the long hours spent behind the wheel.

21. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson (1980)

If there’s one song that captures the heart of every truck driver, it’s Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” This iconic tune perfectly encapsulates the freedom and love of the open road that drives so many truckers.

22. A Country Boy Can Survive – Hank Williams Jr. (1981)

This anthem speaks to the enduring spirit of country life. With its strong message, the song resonates with truckers who take pride in their independence and ability to overcome challenges on the road and in life.

23. Highwayman – The Highwaymen (1985)

This supergroup of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings came together to create “Highwayman,” a song about the restless spirit of a man who can’t be tied down.

24. Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler) – Alabama (1984)

A heartfelt ballad telling the story of a trucker’s family waiting for him to return home safely, a tribute to the truckers who keep America moving.

25. Big Wheels in the Moonlight – Dan Seals (1988)

“Big Wheels in the Moonlight” is all about a young man’s dream of becoming a truck driver. Dan Seals’ vocals and the song’s catchy chorus make it an inspiring track for anyone who’s ever dreamed of life on the road.

26. Nowhere Road – Steve Earle (1988)

Featured on the “Black Dog” soundtrack, Steve Earle’s “Nowhere Road” is an anthem celebrating the rebellious, restless spirit of life on the highway. With lyrics about traveling off the beaten path, it’s perfect for those who embrace the wild side of trucking.

27. Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses – Kathy Mattea (1988)

Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” tells the story of a trucker on his last haul before retirement. It’s a sweet, sentimental song that resonates with drivers looking forward to their final destination.

28. Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty (1989)

“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty captures the thrill of chasing down your goals, no matter where the road takes you. The lyrics reflect the determination and endless pursuit of something greater, a feeling familiar to many truckers. 

29. Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane (1991)

This iconic song celebrates the journey of life as an endless road full of twists and turns making it a favorite for truckers and travelers alike.

30. Highway Patrol – Junior Brown (1993)

With a catchy tune and humorous lyrics, “Highway Patrol” by Junior Brown is a fun song that captures the relationship between truckers and law enforcement. It’s a lighthearted nod to those moments when the blue lights start flashing in the rearview mirror.

31. I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash (1996)

In “I’ve Been Everywhere,” Johnny Cash rattles off a list of cities and towns, creating a whirlwind of a song that captures the fast-paced life of a trucker. It’s a fun, tongue-twisting track that any driver can relate to.

32. Highway Junkie – Gary Allan (1998)

With its gritty vocals and driving beat, Gary Allan’s “Highway Junkie” perfectly captures the endless miles and the freedom that comes with being a “highway junkie.” A song perfect for truck drivers addicted to life on the road.

33. Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show (2004)

” Wagon Wheel” is a modern classic all about traveling down the highway and the promise of home at the end of the road. It has become a sing-along favorite, perfect whether driving solo or with a fellow trucker. 

34. I’m a Road Hammer – The Road Hammers (2005)

“I’m a Road Hammer” by The Road Hammers is a modern-day trucker anthem all about the love of the road, the big rigs, and the freedom that comes with being a truck hammerin’ down the highway. 

35. Peterbilt 379 – Tony Justice (2011)

This fast-paced anthem captures the urgency of delivering a freight on time. With lyrics like “when you see me comin’, get out of my way,” it resonates with every driver who knows the pressure of a timely delivery.

Hit the Road with Mercer Transportation

At Mercer Transportation, we understand the trucking world. Whether you’re an owner-operator seeking a reliable partner or a business in need of reliable freight services, we’ve got the solutions to keep you moving forward.