Struck out this morning flying down the 501 Heading out of Horry County, in the Carolina sun Got some Marlboro’s on the dashboard and a gearshift in my hand I live a life most folks can’t understand Well, eight miles past the state line there’s a speed trap on the side They ain’t got a thing to do but gripe about how fast I drive Been listening to some D.J. as I feel them big wheels wind And, I hope he plays Buck Owens one more time.
(Chorus) I make my living riding up and down the highway Ate in every truck stop and Waffle House around I’ve held some women but I ain’t cut out for love And I got 18 reasons I can’t settle down Well, I got 18 reasons I can’t settle down.
A black and white bandana hanging on my rearview mirror With a hound dog that starts growling every time I change the gear So many miles of driving, he’s my only company He likes this highway living just like me.
Trucker on the CB says a detour is 4 miles up Two lane county highway but the road is awful rough Got to be in Fort Worth sometime by tomorrow night So put the hammer down and keep them lights on bright.
(Repeat Chorus)
Never seem to realize just how lonely this world feels ‘Til you’re chugging cold black coffee, with a half a dozen pills Hitting on some waitress who claims to be eighteen Living on Jack Daniels and caffeine.