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Canned Heat – On The Road Again

Of Owl and Bear: The Tragic and Glorious Story of Canned Heat | Ultimate Guitar

About the Song 

Canned Heat is an American blues rock band formed in 1965. Their music combined elements of blues, boogie woogie, rock and roll, and R&B, creating a unique and exciting style. On The Road Again is one of Canned Heat’s most famous songs, first released in 1968 on the album Boogie with Canned Heat.

On The Road Again is a classic blues song with a fast and upbeat tempo. The song was written by Floyd Jones, an American blues musician, and was re-recorded by Canned Heat with some changes. Canned Heat’s version features a distinctive blues guitar riff and the powerful, soulful vocals of Bob Hite, the band’s lead singer.

The lyrics of On The Road Again tell the story of a blues musician traveling all over the country. The singer sings about the hardships and challenges of life on the road, but also expresses his passion and love for music.

On The Road Again has become a beloved song by many generations of music listeners. The song has been covered by many different artists, including Willie Nelson, John Mayall, and Eric Clapton.

Canned Heat performed On The Road Again at many venues around the world, including the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969. The song has become an important part of rock and roll and blues music culture.

Here are some reasons why On The Road Again is a famous song:

  • Fast and upbeat tempo: The song has a classic blues tempo that makes people want to dance and sing along.
  • Distinctive blues guitar riff: The guitar riff in the song is very memorable and creates a great blues atmosphere.
  • Powerful, soulful vocals of Bob Hite: Bob Hite sings the song with a lot of emotion, making the listener feel his passion and love for music.
  • Meaningful lyrics: The lyrics of the song tell the story of a traveling blues musician, a topic that many people can relate to.

On The Road Again is a classic blues rock song with a fast, upbeat tempo and meaningful lyrics. The song has become an important part of rock and roll and blues music culture, and is loved by many generations of music listeners.

Canned Heat: the 10 best songs from America's greatest boogie band | Louder

Video

Lyrics: On The Road Again

Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road again
Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road againI ain’t got no woman
Just to call my special friendYou know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow

I didn’t have no payroll
Not even no place to go

And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young

She said, “Lord, have mercy
On my wicked son.”

Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more

‘Cause it’s soon one morning
Down the road I’m going

But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself

I can’t carry you, baby
Gonna carry somebody else

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Long before the sprawling mansions, multi-platinum records, and roaring audiences, Elvis Presley experienced the harsh reality of financial hardship. Growing up in a modest household in Tupelo, Mississippi, his parents, Vernon and Gladys, frequently fought to make ends meet. Even so, Elvis was nurtured by a foundation that would anchor him throughout his life: strong family bonds, deep-rooted faith, and a constant presence of music.

During his days at Humes High School, Elvis Presley was far from the self-assured icon America would soon embrace. After moving to Memphis for a fresh start, his family settled into the Lauderdale Courts public housing. Financial struggles persisted, and memories from his school days reveal that even paying for a simple lunch was a challenge. A former coach even remembered slipping Elvis a quarter every now and then just to ensure he had something to eat.

It feels almost surreal that Elvis Presley left behind a legacy so immense given how brief his journey was. Born into poverty in a modest Tupelo home, he passed away at just 42. Yet within that span, the quiet Mississippi boy forged a voice, a presence, and an emotional resonance capable of transcending generations. His time was far shorter than anyone could have foreseen, but somehow, he made every moment of it monumental.

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