Hit the Road Jack was originally written by Percy Mayfield and recorded as an a capella demo. Ray Charles heard the demo and decided to record the song, releasing it in 1961. The song is about a man being sent away by his partner, and it became one of Ray Charless biggest hits, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.
Key: Am
Introduction:
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. (What you say?)
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.
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Oh woman, oh woman, don't treat me so mean,
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You're the meanest old woman that I've ever seen.
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I guess if you say so
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I'll have to pack my things and go. (That's right)
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. (What you say?)
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.
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Now baby, listen baby, don't-a treat me this-a way
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For I'll be back on my feet some day.
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(Don't care if you do 'cause it's understood
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you ain't got no money you just ain't no good.)
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Well, I guess if you say so
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I'd have to pack my things and go. (That's right)
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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E7
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. (What you say?)
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
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Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. (Well !)
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Don't you come back no more.
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(aah! what you say) Don't you come back no more.
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(I didn't understand you) Don't you come back no more.
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(You can't mean that) Don't you come back no more.
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(Oh, now baby, please) Don't you come back no more.
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(What you tryin' to do to me?) Don't you come back no more.
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(Oh, don't treat me like that) Don't you come back no more.