Gear up for a musical journey like no other with my list of Trucker Songs, where the life, adventures, and soul of trucking are captured in every note and lyric.
Here is your ultimate playlist for the road, combining the rhythms of the highway with the heart of the trucking community. From the nostalgic twangs of the 1950s to modern anthems echoing the call of the open road, these tunes capture the spirit, challenges, and adventures of truckers’ lives.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or just dreaming of the endless highway, these songs are sure to resonate with the soul of the road warrior in all of us.
Get ready to explore a soundtrack that’s as diverse and dynamic as the trucking world itself!
1930s
Truck Driving Blues by Cliff Bruner (1939)
This song talks about the hardships and long hours faced by truck drivers.
1940s
Truck Driver’s Boogie by Milo Twins (1948)
This song is one of the early examples of trucking songs, capturing the upbeat and hardworking spirit of truck drivers.
1950s
Haulin’ Freight by Bob Wayne (1951)
A more recent song that gets into the nitty-gritty of trucking logistics and challenges.
Truck Driving Man by Terry Fell and The Fellers (1954)
An older classic that continued to be popular among truckers for its relatable lyrics. Many other singers covered this song.
Big Wheels Rollin by Johnny Horton (1955)
Captures the ceaseless movement and energy of the trucking life.
Rig Moving Man by Slim Willet (1959)
A song that captures the niche but vital role of those who move drilling rigs.
1960s
500 Miles Away from Home by Bobby Bare (1963)
An older song that became an anthem for truckers in the 90s, speaking to the distance they often feel from home.
Six Days on the Road by Dave Dudley (1963)
Often hailed as the definitive trucker anthem, capturing the essence of long-haul trucking.
Truck Driver’s Queen by Moore & Napier (1963)
Focuses on the partner of a truck driver, an important aspect of trucker life.
Give Me Forty Acres (To Turn This Rig Around) by The Willis Brothers (1964)
Humorously talks about the challenges of maneuvering a big truck.
King of the Road by Roger Miller (1964)
Not strictly a trucker song, but its themes of travel and living on the road resonate with truckers.
A Tombstone Every Mile by Dick Curless (1965)
An older song that remained popular, detailing the hazards of trucking in certain areas.
Giddyup Go by Red Sovine (1965)
A sentimental story-song that became a huge hit in the trucking world.
Girl on the Billboard by Del Reeves (1965)
Features the story of a truck driver fascinated by a billboard advertisement.
Speed Traps, Weight Stations & Detour Signs by Dave Dudley (1965)
A truck driver navigates speed traps, weight stations, and detours to reach his loved one. A great song and album.
Truck Drivin’ Man by Buck Owens (1965)
The song of Terry Fell was famously recorded by Owens minus one verse some eleven year later. Yet became very popular.
Truck Drivin’ Son-of-a-Gun by Dave Dudley (1965)
Another hit by Dudley that became a trucker favorite.
Little Pink Mack by Kay Adams (1966)
A song about a woman truck driver, which was quite unique for its time.
Roll Truck Roll by Red Simpson (1966)
A classic that vividly describes the life of a long-haul trucker.
The Gear Jammer and the Hobo by Johnny Bond (1966)
A song that pairs a truck driver and a hobo, highlighting their contrasting yet similar lives.
The Highway Patrol by Red Simpson (1966)
A song about the relationship between truckers and highway patrol officers.
Diesel on My Tail by Jim & Jesse (1967)
Describes the competitive nature of trucking and the challenges of the road.
Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves by Red Simpson (1967)
An older song that has endured as a classic in trucker playlists.
How Fast Them Trucks Can Go by Claude Gray (1967)
This is the original version that was later performed by multiple artists including Dave Dudley.
Phantom 309 by Red Sovine (1967)
Tells the ghostly tale of a trucker named Big Joe and his rig, Phantom 309.
Sleeper, Five by Two by Red Simpson (1967)
Celebrates the sleeper cab, a key part of a long-haul trucker’s rig.
Truck Driving Cat With Nine Wives by Charlie Walker (1967)
Telling the tale of a trucker with nine wives across the states, the song humorously unfolds his chaotic life and its eventual aftermath.
Truckers Prayer by Dave Dudley (1967)
A touching song that reflects the spiritual side of trucking.
Looking at the World Through a Windshield by Del Reeves (1968)
Captures the trucker’s view of constant travel and changing scenery.
Overloaded Diesel by Jimmy Griggs (1968)
A song about the challenges of hauling heavy loads.
Truck Driver’s Sweetheart by Kitty Wells (1968)
Highlights the experiences and emotions of being a truck driver’s partner.
White Line Fever by Merle Haggard (1968)
A classic that captures the lure and the hardship of the trucking life.
Big Rig Rollin’ Man by Johnny Dollar (1969)
An ode to the relentless life of a long-haul trucker
Truck Driver’s Prayer by by Red Sovine (1969)
This song is a heartfelt prayer by a truck driver, expressing respect for fellow drivers and asking for safety and guidance on the road.
1970s
Big Wheel Cannonball by Dick Curless (1970)
The original version by Dick Todd was released in 1967, but Curless’ cover version 3 years later became even more popular.
Freightliner Fever by Red Sovine (1970)
A song that personifies the truck itself, highlighting the bond between trucker and machine.
Truckin by Grateful Dead (1970)
A rock entry, using trucking as a metaphor for life on the road with the band.
I’m a Truck by Red Simpson (1971)
Although released later, this song captures the essence of the 1950s trucking culture.
Me and You and a Dog Named Boo by Lobo (1971)
An earlier song that remained popular among truckers into the 90s for its road-tripping narrative.
Rollin’ in My Sweet Baby’s Arms by Buck Owens (1971)
A bluegrass hit that became popular among truckers for its upbeat tempo.
Willin by Little Feat (1971)
Though older, this song became a trucker anthem in the 90s, mentioning various U.S. cities and highways.
Keep on Truckin’ by Dave Dudley (1973)
A song that became a trucker motto, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance on the road.
Trucking Trees for Christmas by Red Simpson (1973)
An older holiday-themed trucker song that remains popular.
30,000 Pounds of Bananas by Harry Chapin (1974)
The song tells a tragic and vivid tale of a truck driver’s accident while hauling thirty thousand pounds of bananas into Scranton, Pennsylvania.
All I Do Is Drive by Johnny Cash (1974)
The song narrates a conversation with an old truck driver, revealing the solitary, challenging nature of his life on the road, focused on driving and survival.
Movin’ On by Merle Haggard (1974)
The theme song for the television show of the same name, beloved by truckers.
Big Joe and Phantom 309 by Tom Waits (1975)
A variation of Red Sovine’s “Phantom 309,” it tells the tale of a heroic trucker named Big Joe.
Convoy by C.W. McCall (1975)
This song, with its catchy chorus and CB radio lingo, became a cultural phenomenon.
Long Lonesome Road by C. W. McCall (1975)
A trucker and his loyal truck endure life’s long, challenging journey together, determined to prevail.
Me and Ole C.B. by Dave Dudley (1975)
A song that reflects the CB radio culture prevalent among truckers.
Wolf Creek Pass by C.W. McCall (1975)
A humorous tale about trucking through Colorado’s Wolf Creek Pass.
18 Wheels a Hummin’ Home Sweet Home by Red Sovine (1976)
A song that evokes the longing for home that many truckers feel.
Teddy Bear by Red Sovine (1976)
A heart-wrenching tale that endeared Sovine further to the trucking community.
The White Knight by Cledus Maggard & The Citizen’s Band (1976)
A novelty song that plays on the CB radio culture among truckers.
C.B. Savage by Rod Hart (1977)
A novelty song focusing on the CB radio craze among truck drivers.
East Bound and Down by Jerry Reed (1977)
Made famous by the movie “Smokey and the Bandit,” it’s an upbeat track that remains popular.
West Bound and Down by Jerry Reed (1977)
A counterpart to “East Bound and Down,” capturing the trucking experience in the western U.S.
Woman Behind the Man Behind the Wheel by Red Sovine (1977)
Pays tribute to truckers’ wives, acknowledging their strength and role in supporting their truck-driving husbands.
Truck Drivin’ Outlaw by Dennis Olson (1978)
Captures the rebellious spirit some associate with truckers.
1980s
Drivin’ My Life Away by Eddie Rabbitt (1980)
A catchy, upbeat song that reflects the trucker’s road life.
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson (1980)
While not a trucker song per se, it’s a road anthem that resonates with truck drivers.
Chicken Truck by John Anderson (1981)
An upbeat song about encountering a chicken truck on the road.
Prisoner of the Highway by Ronnie Milsap (1984)
A song that describes the trucking life as both a calling and a form of captivity.
Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler) by Alabama (1984)
A song that celebrates the life of a trucker and his family back home.
Reno Bound by Southern Pacific (1985)
Highlights the life of a trucker heading to Reno, a common route for many.
Endless Black Ribbon by Tiny Harris (1986)
A song about the endless highways truckers navigate.
Passing Zone Blues by Coleman Wilson (1986)
A song about the challenges of passing on narrow roads.
Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses by Kathy Mattea (1987)
A song about the nearing retirement of a dedicated trucker.
That’s Truck Drivin’ by Slim Jacobs (1987)
The song humorously details the mishaps and challenges of a new truck driver, capturing the unpredictable and often tough nature of truck driving.
Big Wheels in the Moonlight by Dan Seals (1988)
Though older, it gained renewed popularity in this era.
1990s
Papa Loved Mama by Garth Brooks (1991)
A faster-paced song with a storyline revolving around a trucking family.
Highway Patrol by Junior Brown (1993)
Although from the ’90s, this song with its retro style harks back to the earlier era’s sound, focusing on the interaction between truckers and highway patrol.
I’ve Been Everywhere by Johnny Cash (1996)
Although an earlier song, it became a trucker favorite for its mention of numerous U.S. cities and routes.
Highway Junkie by Randy Travis (1996)
A heartbroken truck driver is using the ceaseless travel of the road to escape his sorrow.
Semi Crazy by Junior Brown feat. Red Simpson (1996)
A song that humorously looks at the life of a trucker.
Truck Driver’s Blues by Merle Haggard (1996)
A bluesy take on the trucking life, reflecting its hardships.
Truck Driving Man Song by David Allan Coe (1996)
At a Texas roadhouse, a truck driver enjoys coffee and plays “Truck Drivin’ Man” on the jukebox.
18 Wheels and a Crowbar by BR5-49 (1998)
An energetic song depicting the relentless nature of trucking.
18 Wheels of Love by Drive-By Truckers (1998)
A unique love song that weaves in the trucking lifestyle.
Big Trucks by Pedro The Lion (1998)
An indie rock entry that metaphorically uses trucking.
Good Luck ‘n’ Good Truckin’ Tonite by Dale Watson (1998)
The song wishes truckers smooth travels, hassle-free routes, and overall good fortune on their journeys.
2000s
Trucker’s Anthem by Kid Rock (2001)
A modern tribute to the trucking way of life.
Prisoner of the Highway by Mark Wills (2003)
The song expresses a trucker’s passion for the road, feeling alive while hauling freight across the country, despite the sacrifices.
Diesel Driving Daddy by Aaron Watson (2004)
A lively song that embraces the trucking lifestyle with gusto.
Asphalt Cowboy by Jason Aldean (2005)
A modern trucking ballad that speaks to the soul of the highway.
I’m a Road Hammer by The Road Hammers (2005)
A high-energy anthem for truckers, encapsulating the hard-driving lifestyle.
Keep on Truckin’ by The Road Hammers (2005)
Highlighting the resilience of a trucker, the lyrics describe overcoming obstacles like rising fuel costs and law enforcement, emphasizing a relentless drive and love for the road.
Brothers of the Highway by George Strait (2008)
A song that celebrates the camaraderie among truck drivers.
2010s
Chicken Lights and Chrome by Jesse Watson (2010)
A more recent entry, celebrating the trucker’s lifestyle.
Trucker Man by Gretchen Wilson (2010)
The song depicts the life of a dedicated trucker, enduring long drives and fatigue, as he journeys back home to his family.
18 Wheels by Cody Johnson (2011)
A song that portrays the life of a trucker with a sense of nostalgia and respect.
Highway Angel by Lindsay Lawler (2011)
Lindsay Lawler’s music video, a tribute she co-wrote with Chris Roberts, honors Highway Angels—drivers who’ve performed lifesaving acts on the road. This non-profit initiative is supported by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).
Peterbilt Sleigh by The Oak Ridge Boys (2012)
A fun, truck-themed holiday song.
Scania 164 by Ailish McBride (2012)
A song named after a popular truck model, celebrating the machine and the journey.
Miles and Mud Tires by Granger Smith (2013)
This song combines country music with trucking, appealing to those who love both.
Truck Yeah by Tim McGraw (2013)
A modern, upbeat anthem for truckers and country fans alike.
Long White Line by Sturgill Simpson (2014)
Although released later, it captures the classic feel of trucking songs.
Truck Stop Gospel by Parker Millsap (2014)
An interesting narrative about a truck-driving evangelist.
Outlaw Ride by Tony Justice (2017)
The song captures the dynamic and humorous side of trucking life, focusing on the unique experience of driving a chicken truck with a spirited, carefree attitude.
Eastbound and Down by Midland (2018)
A cover of the classic Jerry Reed song, rejuvenating it for a new generation of truckers.
2020s
Bad Mother Trucker by Eric Church (2020)
Driven by a fierce woman in a Peterbilt truck, this song celebrates her strength, skill, and commanding presence on the road.
Wrapping-up
As our journey through the world of trucker tunes comes to a close, I hope this collection has struck a chord with both the road warriors and those who simply love the call of the open highway.
But the road doesn’t end here!
We know countless more songs capture the spirit of trucking, and we’d love to hear your favorites.
Drop a comment with the trucker songs that keep you rolling, and let’s keep this playlist growing.
Until then, keep your wheels turning and your music loud!
