Peak
1
Weeks
13
Score
3,123
Chart Year
1961
Fred, you can stay. Steve, you're OK. But Jack, you gotta go. This kiss-off anthem was written by Ray's good friend Percy Mayfield, an R&B singer who was badly disfigured in a car accident soon after he started performing. Mayfield cut back his touring and made his mark as a prolific songwriter, with many of his compositions performed by Charles. This was the second (and shortest, at an even two minutes) of Charles' three #1 hits. The solo backing vocals were by Margie Hendricks, who was one of Ray's backup singers, The Raelettes. They were lovers for a time, but the song is not about their relationship. >> The continuing popularity of this song is evident by the many professional and semi-professional hockey teams playing the first few lines whenever a player is sent to the penalty box. This was the winner of the 1961 Grammy for Best Male Rhythm and Blues Recording. >> Canadian group The Stampeders, best known for their hit "Sweet City Woman," released a novelty version of this song in 1976 that featured a telephone conversation with disc jockey Wolfman Jack. Their version hit #40 in the US. >> This song is featured in the 1989 move The Dream Team where mental patients played by Christopher Lloyd, Peter Boyle, and a mulleted Michael Keaton sing it in a van as they embark on a field trip. Ray re-recorded this as "Cross The Road Jack" for a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial in the '80s.
Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more What'd you say Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more Old woman, old woman, oh, you treat me so mean You're the meanest old woman that I ever have seen Well, I guess if you say so I'll have to pack my things and go (that's right) Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more What'd you say Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more Now baby, listen baby, don't you treat me this way 'Cause I'll be back on my feet some day Don't care if you do, 'cause it's understood You ain't got no money, you just ain't no good Well, I guess if you say so I'll have to pack my things and go (that's right) Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more What'd you say Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack and don't cha come back No more Well Uh, what you say? Don't cha come back No more
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 11, 1961 | 55 | 71 |
| 2 | Sep 18, 1961 | 27 | 99 |
| 3 | Sep 25, 1961 | 13 | 113 |
| 4 | Oct 2, 1961 | 4 | 122 |
| 5 | Oct 9, 1961 | 1 | 125 |
| 6 | Oct 16, 1961 | 1 | 125 |
| 7 | Oct 23, 1961 | 4 | 122 |
| 8 | Oct 30, 1961 | 4 | 122 |
| 9 | Nov 6, 1961 | 4 | 122 |
| 10 | Nov 13, 1961 | 6 | 120 |
| 11 | Nov 20, 1961 | 7 | 119 |
| 12 | Nov 27, 1961 | 22 | 104 |
| 13 | Dec 4, 1961 | 47 | 79 |