About The Song
You’ve got a great taste in music! “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed is a true classic. Here’s a breakdown of this iconic trucker anthem:
Origins and Release:
- Written by Jerry Reed himself along with songwriter Deena Kaye Rose.
- Recorded in 1977 for the soundtrack of the movie “Smokey and the Bandit,” which starred Burt Reynolds and Sally Field.
- The song became a runaway hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Jerry Reed’s place in country music history.
Genre: Country Rock
Catchy Lyrics and Theme:
- The song tells the story of a trucker, C.B. trucker nicknamed the Bandit, speeding across the country in a stolen tractor-trailer (“Running keep the pedal down, son, never mind them brakes / Let it all hang out”).
- The lyrics are full of trucker slang and CB radio references (“Smokey on my tail” refers to highway patrol officers) that capture the excitement and adrenaline rush of the open road.
- It celebrates the freedom and independence associated with the trucker lifestyle.
Legacy and Impact:
- “East Bound and Down” is an iconic song that transcended the movie and the country music genre.
- It’s become a cultural phenomenon, instantly recognizable and a popular choice for sporting events, rallies, and anytime you want to feel a surge of energy.
- The song continues to be associated with trucking culture and the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.”
Fun Facts:
- Jerry Reed not only sang the song but also played the character of trucker Cledus Snow in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.”
- The song’s iconic guitar riff is simple yet powerful, contributing significantly to its catchiness.
- “East Bound and Down” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various movies and TV shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Want to hear the song?
You can find “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed on most streaming platforms. There’s also the official music video available on YouTube: you can search for “Jerry Reed – East Bound And Down (music video)”.
Is there anything else you’d like to know about “East Bound and Down” or Jerry Reed?
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’A-we gonna do what they say can’t be doneWe’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get thereI’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
Keep your foot hard on the pedalSon, never mind them brakesLet it all hang out ’cause we got a run to makeThe boys are thirsty in AtlantaAnd there’s beer in TexarkanaAnd we’ll bring it back no matter what it takes
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’A-we gonna do what they say can’t be doneWe’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get thereI’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’A-we gonna do what they say can’t be doneWe’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get thereI’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
Ol’ Smokey’s got them ears onHe’s hot on your trailAnd he aint gonna rest ’til you’re in jailSo you got to dodge ‘im and you got to duck ‘imYou got to keep that diesel truckin’Just put that hammer down and give it hell
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’A-we gonna do what they say can’t be doneWe’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get thereI’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run