About the song
C.W. McCall‘s “Convoy” is a quintessential song of the 1970s that captures the spirit of American trucker culture and has become an enduring anthem of the genre. Released in 1975, the song’s catchy narrative and distinctive sound made it a significant hit and cemented McCall’s place in country music history.
C.W. McCall, whose real name is Bill Fries, is an American singer-songwriter and former advertising executive. McCall’s persona and music were heavily influenced by his background in advertising and his interest in the American trucker lifestyle. “Convoy” is perhaps his most famous work and reflects his ability to blend storytelling with musical entertainment.
“Convoy” was written by C.W. McCall and Chip Davis, who was also known for his work with the musical group Mannheim Steamroller. The song was produced by Chip Davis and released as a single from McCall’s album Black Bear Road. The production features a unique combination of country, folk, and novelty elements, creating a distinctive and memorable sound.
Musically, “Convoy” is characterized by its distinctive trucker-themed sound effects and the use of a rhythmic, driving beat. The song begins with the iconic CB radio chatter, setting the scene for the story of a convoy of truckers banding together to travel across the country. The melody is catchy and upbeat, with a simple yet effective arrangement that complements the song’s narrative. The use of sound effects, such as truck horns and engine noises, adds to the song’s authenticity and charm.
Lyrically, “Convoy” tells the story of a group of truck drivers who form a convoy to travel together across the country, defying the odds and overcoming obstacles along the way. The song’s chorus, with the famous lines, “We got a great big convoy / Rockin’ through the night,” captures the camaraderie and excitement of the trucker lifestyle. The lyrics are delivered in a conversational style, with McCall’s distinctive vocal delivery adding to the song’s appeal.
C.W. McCall’s vocal performance on “Convoy” is characterized by its storytelling style and engaging narrative. His delivery is informal and conversational, fitting the song’s theme of trucker culture and CB radio communication. The song’s structure and lyrics effectively create a sense of adventure and solidarity among the truckers, making it a fun and memorable listening experience.
“Convoy” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossing over to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at number 1 as well. The song’s success was bolstered by its catchy melody, unique subject matter, and widespread appeal, making it one of the standout hits of the 1970s.
The song’s impact extended beyond its initial release, influencing popular culture and inspiring a film of the same name in 1978. The film, directed by Sam Peckinpah, further popularized the trucker lifestyle and solidified the song’s place in American pop culture.
In summary, C.W. McCall‘s “Convoy” is a memorable and influential song that captures the essence of 1970s trucker culture. With its catchy melody, distinctive sound effects, and engaging narrative, the song remains a beloved classic in the country music genre. Its commercial success and cultural impact highlight McCall’s unique contribution to music and his ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and musical creativity.
Video
Lyrics
“Convoy”
Was the dark of the moon on the sixth of June
In a Kenworth pullin’ logs
Cab-over Pete with a reefer on
And a Jimmy haulin’ hogs
We is headin’ for bear on I-10
‘Bout a mile outta Shaky Town
I says, “Pig Pen, this here’s the Rubber Duck”
“And I’m about to put the hammer down”
‘Cause we got a little convoy
Rockin’ through the night
Yeah, we got a little convoy
Ain’t she a beautiful sight?
Come on and join our convoy
Ain’t nothin’ gonna get in our way
We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy
‘Cross the USA, convoy
Ah, breaker, Pig Pen, this here’s the Duck. And, you wanna back off them hogs? Yeah, 10-4, ’bout five mile or so. Ten, roger. Them hogs is gettin’ in-tense up here
By the time we got into Tulsa Town
We had eighty-five trucks in all
But they’s a roadblock up on the cloverleaf
And them bears was wall-to-wall
Yeah, them smokies is thick as bugs on a bumper
They even had a bear in the air
I says, “Callin’ all trucks, this here’s the Duck
We about to go a-huntin’ bear”
‘Cause we got a great big convoy
Rockin’ through the night
Yeah, we got a great big convoy
Ain’t she a beautiful sight?
Come on and join our convoy
Ain’t nothin’ gonna get in our way
We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy
‘Cross the USA, convoy
Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? Negatory, Pig Pen; you’re still too close. Yeah, them hogs is startin’ to close up my sinuses. Mercy sakes, you better back off another ten
Well, we rolled up Interstate 44
Like a rocket sled on rails
We tore up all of our swindle sheets
And left ’em settin’ on the scales
By the time we hit that Chi-town
Them bears was a-gettin’ smart
They’d brought up some reinforcements
From the Illinois National Guard
There’s armored cars and tanks and jeeps
And rigs of ev’ry size
Yeah, them chicken coops was full’a bears
And choppers filled the skies
Well, we shot the line and we went for broke
With a thousand screamin’ trucks
An’ eleven long-haired Friends a’ Jesus
In a chartreuse micra-bus
Ah, Rubber Duck to Sodbuster, come over. Yeah, 10-4, Sodbuster? Lissen, you wanna put that micra-bus right behind that suicide jockey? Yeah, he’s haulin’ dynamite, and he needs all the help he can get
Well, we laid a strip for the Jersey shore
And prepared to cross the line
I could see the bridge was lined with bears
But I didn’t have a dog-goned dime
I says, “Pig Pen, this here’s the Rubber Duck
We just ain’t a-gonna pay no toll”
So we crashed the gate doing ninety-eight
I says “Let them truckers roll, 10-4”
‘Cause we got a mighty convoy
Rockin’ through the night
Yeah, we got a mighty convoy
Ain’t she a beautiful sight?
Come on and join our convoy
Ain’t nothin’ gonna get in our way
We gonna roll this truckin’ convoy
‘Cross the USA
Convoy! Ah, 10-4, Pig Pen, what’s your twenty?
Convoy! Omaha? Well, they oughta know what to do with them hogs out there fer shure. Well, mercy
Convoy! sakes, good buddy, we gonna back on outta here, so keep the bugs off your glass and the bears off your…
Convoy! tail. We’ll catch you on the flip-flop. This here’s the Rubber Duck on the side
Convoy! We gone. ‘Bye,’bye