Wreck on the Highway

George Jones, Gene Pitney

About Wreck on the Highway

"Wreck on the Highway" is a classic bluegrass song most commonly associated with Roy Acuff. "Wreck on the Highway" tells the story of an automobile accident, with implication of alcohol abuse ("whiskey and blood run together") and moral religious language ("Their soul has been called by the Master... But I didn't hear nobody pray... It'll be too late if tomorrow you'll fall by a crash by the way... And you can't hear nobody pray")."Wreck on the Highway" was written in 1937 by Dorsey Dixon after a serious accident near Rockingham, North Carolina and was first recorded (under the title "Didn't Hear Nobody Pray") in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1938. It was recorded in 1940 by the Chicago-based country duo Karl and Harty (Karl Davis and Harty Taylor). The best-known version was recorded by Roy Acuff And His Smoky Mountain Boys in Hollywood in 1942. Bill Haley and the 4 Aces of Western Swing recorded a cover in 1949 that went unreleased until the 1977 LP Golden Country Origins. Wilma Lee Cooper and her husband Stoney Cooper released a version as the B side of their 1961 single "Night After Night". George Jones and Gene Pitney recorded a version (under the name "George and Gene"), released as a single in 1965, Hank Locklin recorded the song for his 1962 album A Tribute to Roy Acuff, King of Country Music, and the Louvin Brothers also recorded the song. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band included the song on their 1972 album Will the Circle be Unbroken; Roy Acuff took the lead vocal. Ricky Skaggs and The Whites recorded the song on their 2007 album Salt of the Earth, and Merle Haggard and Chester Smith released a duet of the song on their country-gospel album California Blend. And many other country artists have performed and recorded the song. 


Year:
2013
2:46
17 
#2

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(George)
Who did you say it was brother
Who was it fell by the way
When whiskey and blood ran together
Did you hear anyone pray?

(Gene)
When I heard the crash on the highway
I knew what it was from the start
I went to the scene of destruction
And the picture was stamped on my heart.

(Both)
I didn't hear nobody pray dear brother
I didn't hear nobody pray
I've heard the crash on the highway
But I didn't hear nobody pray.

(Gene)
There was whiskey and blood all together
Mixed with glass where they lay
Death played her hand in destruction
But I didn't hear nobody pray.

(George)
I wish I could change this sad story
That I am now telling you
But there is no way I can change it
For somebody's life is now through.

(Both)
I didn't hear nobody pray dear brother
I didn't hear nobody pray
I've heard the crash on the highway
But I didn't hear nobody pray.

(Gene)
Their soul has been called by the Master
They died in the crash on the way
I heard the groans of the dying
But I didn't hear nobody pray.

(Both)
I didn't hear nobody pray dear brother
I didn't hear nobody pray
I've heard the crash on the highway
But I didn't hear nobody pray.
No, I didn't hear nobody pray

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George Jones

George Glenn Jones (born September 12, 1931) is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette. more »

12 fans

Written by: DORSEY DIXON

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Wreck on the Highway" is classified under the country music genre.
Songwriters
The song was written by Dorsey Dixon, a North Carolina-born country singer, in 1938.
Different Covers
Gene Pitney, George Jones, Hank Locklin, and Roy Acuff have all covered the song "Wreck on the Highway".
Roy Acuff's version
Roy Acuff is known for his popular rendition of the song, which peaked at number 3 on the country music charts in 1942. - He also achieved considerable commercial success with this song.
Bruce Springsteen's adaptation
Bruce Springsteen also adapted the song for his album "The River", but his version, while sharing a title, tells a different story.
Song Theme
"Wreck on the Highway" illustrates the tragic aftermath of a car accident, focusing on themes including mortality, guilt, and spirituality.
George Jones' version
George Jones, often referred to as the "greatest living country singer," covered "Wreck on the Highway" on his album "Double Trouble," a duet album with Johnny Paycheck.
Hank Locklin's version
Hank Locklin, a Grand Ol' Opry member, included his cover of "Wreck on the Highway" in his album "The Ways of Life".
Gene Pitney's version
Pop singer Gene Pitney also covered "Wreck on the Highway", releasing it as a track on his album "Blue Gene".
Live Performances
Variations of "Wreck on the Highway" continue to be performed live by country artists, displaying the enduring impact of the song's narrative and melody.

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