Song Lyrics: The Soul of a Truck Driver
A musician friend of mine asked me to write a story about a truck driver so here it is... he hasn't seen it yet. This one has been featured on Hubpages Song Lyrics home page.
The mile markers sound like a fan in the wind
Was that three eighty-eight or four-hundred and ten?
They go from green to black and then green again
I'm so tired the colors are all starting to blend
Do you know the soul of a truck driver?
He's starin' straight and drivin' forever
Can you feel the heart of a truck driver?
It's got scars but he's always a survivor
I can’t seem to drive past my problems
They’re like weeds with unwanted blossoms
My kids wait because this road never ends
I just keep driving, pretending I don’t need any friends
I know I have my issues but then don't we all?
When I think about the world mine seem kind of small
I'm gonna' quit complaining' cause I have work to do
Yeah I have my problems, but I’m still thinking about you
I used to throw the ball with my boys after work
But they cut my hours and now I’m being a jerk
It was time to jump back into my old rig
I hate this deep hole that life made me dig
Do you know the soul of a truck driver?
He's starin' straight and drivin' forever
Can you feel the heart of a truck driver?
It's got scars but he's always a survivor
I've never been a dreamer
But this black-top has turned white
Above the clouds I know I'm free
I wonder if I can trust the light
My heart keeps burnin’ on the open road
It simmers as I carry another heavy load
I'm trying to save the lives that I protect
For my children I'll suffer but never neglect
Do you know the soul of a truck driver?
He's starin' straight and drivin' forever
Can you feel the heart of a truck driver?
It's got scars but he's always a survivor
Comments
AUTHOR@ahorseback - Thanks man for the kudos.... I like when someone reads an old one 'cause it makes me remember where I was when I wrote it...
Im afraid I havent followed your writing and its definately progressing away here , and I should have! Man you have done some work here!.....:-}Awesome
- AUTHOR
@Imolina66 - thank you and I'm glad you got my meaning. I was honoring the sacrifice and the heart that is dragged out on the road to face the long hours and the sacrifices.
This is an absolutely beautiful song!! I was a truck driver for about five years and I can so relate to these lyrics. I honestly believe that a truck driver doesn't get the privilege of having a family or home life. I know I didn't. I watched through pictures and letters as my beautiful daughter went to her first prom, homecoming, and special birthday parties my mother and brothers gave her while I missed all of these events because "this load is hot and has to be there YESTERDAY!". These days, I am home and having a great time watching my grandchildren grow and I refuse to go back out on the road again. I have and will hate it that much! I full respect drivers and what they are doing out there and those of you who think that a dumb person "couldn't get a better job" are so wrong. You would be amazed at the responsibilities those drivers have. We should thank them.
Just as I have always said:
Do you like those pretty new shoes from New York? then thank a truck driver.
Are you enjoying that fresh produce you are serving on your table? Then thank a truck driver for driving through the night and breaking DOT regulations to get it to your neighborhood supermarket.
How about that car that was made in Detroit? Be sure to thank a truck driver for your new ride.
Most of all, if you feel better due to those expensive Cancer treatment drugs. Please, remember to thank a truck driver for hauling this high value load with the risk of being hijacked.
I think you get my message?
- AUTHOR
@coexist - thank you for reading.. I was in a truck stop yesterday on my way to Laredo, Texas and I was thinking "I wrote something about you guys..."
A fantastic and touching tribute to such an underappreciated group of souls.
- AUTHOR
@Dusy - thanks for the nice comments and the fan mail... they keep us moving don't they?
its all about the truck drivers soul it maens the inner qualities of a truck drivers heart it really the great topic i also read it. i appreciate it in good way.
- AUTHOR
@Broken Poet - thank you!
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i love it... it's so powerful
- AUTHOR
@puresilence - thank you for your comment. I appreciate it...
I never thought song on truck driver can be so Awesome!!
- AUTHOR
@Darrke Thoughts - thank you for the complement. I'm sure most folks would rather not be gone all the time. But you got do what you got to do. There is much honor in sacrificing your own heart to feed the one you love...
I love the part about having to be on the road because the old job got cut back, that's true for most of the drivers I've known... and missing their families and having a life. Great job!
- AUTHOR
@Vern - I haven't heard of that movie but I'll look for it... seems I only get out to see movies my kids want to see.... thank you for your kind words and Merry Christmas to you my friend...
Mark
Enjoy you capturing the trucker's soul. There is a wonderful movie about a woman truck driver, "Trucker." Your song could easily be a part of the movie.
Merry Christmas, friend
Vern
- AUTHOR
@Ashantina - well country music is all over in America especially Nashville but Texas certainly has that tradition of country music and the glorification of the strong, silent male who stands tall but alone... I have some boots, a plaid shirt and there's a beer in the fridge but I don't have a hat... if you have a hat and that's it they say you are "all hat and no cattle..." thank you for commenting...
I'm from England and I see you're from Texas, which is the home of Country & Western music right? I know its a song about a truck driver, but I was imagining you singing this one wearing a stetson, cowboy boots, plaid shirt and beer in right hand... :)
- AUTHOR
@always - yeah they do... being apart from family bringing the things the rest of us need... they are a blessing yet are seldom seen in that light... Dirt? Ok...we'll see... Ha!
@b. Malin - thanks for the comment. I've seen those idiots jump in front of them causing jackknifes and yet the trucker gets the blame...
Truckers have it hard, they drive Holidays and in all kinds of weather, and sometimes have to put up with some "idiot" who cuts them off...not an easy life...especially with all the rules and regulations, it's a wonder that they can still make a living...and have a family life. I think you've captured their life well in your story/song.
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This is great.Truckers have a hard life,away from home so much.You could write a poem about dirt LOL Thank you
Smiles
- AUTHOR
@mickydee – it is a jungle out there! Maybe I need to write one about bike riders! Now that’s dangerous!
@Dee aka Nonna – thank you for commenting. That’s so cool that you have a bond with truck drivers. Some folks get mad at them and some folks appreciate them.
@Kindacrazy – thank you. I hope that this piece could be written with affection even though the man in the song has his problems. The best thing is that he looks in the mirror.
@JustaskSusan – thank you. The pressure is on him now! We’ll see if anything ever comes from it.
@dahoglund – I’m sure it would be tough to be on the road all the time. Long days and lonely nights.
I think my son who drives for local deliveries thought about going on the road but decided it would be too hard on family life.
Great song this will make! You will have to let us know when he puts the music to it.
Love it, I surely can relate to this one, my Dad was a truck driver......friendliest drivers on the road
In the many years of my former career if I wasn't in the air I was on the road. There were many times that I think I was "saved" by truck drivers. I would get in what I call there "tail-wind" and I would know when there was danger ahead or a patrolman--just by the way they drove. I remember one time the driver was pulled off in a weight station but he honked his horn and waved. I thought "he knew I was following him". I grew a hold new appreciation for truckers from that day forward. This was great. I know your friend will love it.
Drive on and write on! Great tribute to some brave hard working souls! It's an asphalt jungle out there!
- AUTHOR
@breakfastpop - thanks man... I don't want to make it sound like he's a loser... he just has problems like everyone else...
Love it it's true and powerful.
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