Merle Haggard was a legendary American singer and songwriter known for his impact on country music.
With iconic hits like Okie from Muskogee and The Fightin’ Side of Me, he became a voice for the working class and a key figure in the Bakersfield sound.
His raw, honest lyrics and distinctive voice earned him a lasting place in country music history.
About the Song
Movin’ On by Merle Haggard is a classic country song about life’s struggles and the determination to move forward.
It holds the feeling of leaving behind past hardships and appreciating new beginnings. The song’s smooth melody and honest lyrics make it a timeless indication of strength and change.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | For the Record: 43 Legendary Hits (1999) |
| Writer | Merle Haggard |
| Producers | Ken Nelson (Country) & Fuzzy Owen |
Movin’ On Lyrics by Merle Haggard
Chorus
Big wheels rolling, big wheels rolling, moving on
Big wheels rolling, gotta keep ’em going
Big wheels rolling, moving on
Verse 1
The white line is the lifeline to a nation
And men like Will and Sonny make it move
Living like a gypsy always on the go
Doing what they best know how to do
Verse 2
Jamming gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck-driving man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind
Chorus
Big wheels rolling, big wheels rolling, moving on
Big wheels rolling, got to keep them going
Big wheels rolling, moving on
Verse 3
All-night country music keeps ’em going
And Will and Sonny keep on moving on
A good hot cup of coffee is waiting up ahead
And the rhythm of the highway hums along
Verse 2
Jamming gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck-driving man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind
Chorus
Big wheels rolling, big wheels rolling, moving on
Big wheels rolling, got to keep them going
Big wheels rolling, moving on
Similar Songs Like Movin’ On
Here are some timeless country tracks that share themes of strength, memory, and heartfelt storytelling, much like Movin’ On.
- Okie from Muskogee: This iconic song holds the rebellious spirit of small-town America and the values of traditional country life.
- The Fightin’ Side of Me: It expresses Merle Haggard’s feelings of patriotism and frustration with growing tensions in America.
- Sing Me Back Home: A heartfelt ballad that reflects on the emotions of longing for freedom and the comfort of home.
- Mama Tried: Merle Haggard’s personal story of regret and his mother’s love shines through in this classic tune.
Similar Artists Like Merle Haggard
Give these legendary country artists a listen; they’ve shaped the genre with soulful storytelling and unforgettable music over the years.
-
Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Rockabilly, Outlaw Country
Top Album: At Folsom Prison (1968) -
Waylon Jennings
Genre: Outlaw Country, Country Rock
Top Album: Honky Tonk Heroes (1973) -
Willie Nelson
Genre: Country, Outlaw Country, Americana
Top Album: Red Headed Stranger (1975) -
George Jones
Genre: Country, Honky Tonk
Top Album: I Am What I Am (1980)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Movin’ On a Tribute to Truckers?
Yes, the lyrics celebrate the life, struggles, and determination of long-haul truck drivers.
How Did the Song Perform on the Charts?
It reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles in July 1975 and became Haggard’s seventh consecutive chart-topper at the time.
What TV show is the Song Tied To?
It was the theme for Movin’ On (1974-1976), a drama about truck drivers starring Claude Akins and Frank Converse.
How Does the Song Reflect Trucker Culture?
Lyrics like “the white line is a lifeline” and “livin’ like a gypsy” highlight the freedom and grit of over-the-road trucking.
