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Dave Dudley was an American country music singer born in 1928 in Spencer, Wisconsin. He is best known as the father of truck-driving country music, thanks to his deep, distinctive voice and songs about life on the road, such as the hit Six Days on the Road.
He initially aspired to be a baseball player, but after suffering an injury, he turned to music and achieved great success in the 1960s and 1970s. He had over thirty Top 40 country hits, including Truck Drivin’ Son-of-a-Gun and Vietnam Blues.
His music became anthems for truckers and country fans alike, and he remained popular for decades. Dudley passed away in 2003, but his impact on country music and trucking songs continues today.
About the Song
Six Days on the Road is a fast-paced country song that tells the story of a truck driver eager to get home. It shares the feeling of freedom on the open road. The lyrics talk about long drives, tough roads, and missing home. This song became a favorite for many people who drive for a living.
Details Information Released 1964 Album Cowboy Boots (1991) Writers Carl Montgomery & Earl Green Producers Jerry Kennedy & Shelby Singleton Jr. Read Full Lyrics of Six Days on the Road
Verse 1
Well, I pulled outta Pittsburgh, a-rollin’ down that Eastern Seaboard
I got my diesel wound up and she’s a-runnin’ like-a never before
There’s a speed zone ahead, well alright, I don’t see a cop in sight
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightVerse 2
I got me ten forward gears and a Georgia overdrive
I’m takin’ little white pills and my eyes are open wide
I just passed a Jimmy and a White, I been a-passin’ everything in sight
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightVerse 3
Well, it seems like a month since I kissed my baby goodbye
I could have a lotta women but I’m not-a like-a some other guys
I could find one to hold me tight but I could never make believe it’s alright
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightVerse 4
ICC is a-checkin’ on down the line
Well, I’m a little overweight and my logbook’s way behind
But nothin’ bothers me tonight, I can dodge all the scales alright
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightVerse 5
Well, my rig’s a little old, but that don’t mean she’s slow
There’s a flame from her stack, and that smoke’s a-blowin’ black as coal
My hometown’s a-comin’ in sight, if you think I’m-a happy, you’re right
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightOutro
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonight
Six days on the road and I’m a-gonna make it home tonightSimilar Songs Like Six Days on the Road
Fans of Six Days on the Road will enjoy these other songs from the same artist, all about life on the road and tough jobs.
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Keep On Truckin’: A catchy tune that reminds truckers to stay strong and keep going, even when the road is long and the nights are tough.
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A Trucker’s Prayer: Slower and deeper, this song is about a truck driver asking for safety and strength while being far from home and family.
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There Ain’t No Easy Run: It shares the harsh truth about trucking and says every trip is hard work, but it’s worth it in the end.
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Rolaids, Doan’s Pills and Preparation H: Funny and honest, it shows the real struggles of a trucker’s body after long hours of driving and bad road food.
Similar Artists Like Dave Dudley
Here are some similar artists you might like if you enjoy the truck-driving and country-road themes of Dave Dudley.
- Red Sovine
Genre: Country, Truck-Driving Country
Top Albums: Phantom 309 (1967), The Best of Red Sovine (1970), Teddy Bear (1976) - C.W. McCall
Genre: Country, Truck-Driving Country
Top Albums: Wolf Creek Pass (1975), Black Bear Road (1975), C.W. McCall & Co. (1979) - Del Reeves
Genre: Country
Top Albums: Girl on the Billboard (1965), The Del Reeves Album (1966), Looking at the World Through a Windshield (1970) - Johnny Bond
Genre: Country, Western
Top Albums: Hot Rod Lincoln (1960), 10 Little Bottles (1965), Sick, Sober and Sorry (1968)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Other Artists Covered Six Days on the Road?
Yes, over 140 versions exist, including by Sawyer Brown, Taj Mahal, and The Flying Burrito Brothers.
How did Six Days on the Road Perform on Music Charts After Release?
It reached #2 on country charts and broke into the pop Top 40.
Did Six Days on the Road Appear in Any Films or TV Shows?
Yes, it has been featured in several soundtracks, including the 2024 Netflix documentary Will & Harper.
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