Merle Haggard – Movin’ On

“Movin’ On” is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in May 1975 as the third single and partial title track from the album Keep Movin’ On. Originally, it was the theme song to the 1974-1976 NBC-TV series of the same name and references the lead characters of the series, Sonny Pruitt and Will Chandler, by name. A full-length version of the song was released as a single in 1975, and it topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart that July.

In addition to serving as the main theme to Movin’ On, the song was among many in country music to pay homage to the American over-the-road truck driver.

From the album Keep Movin’ On
B-side “Here in Frisco”
Released May 12, 1975
Recorded 1975
Genre Country, truck-driving country
Length 2:16
Label Capitol 3746
Songwriter(s) Merle Haggard
Producer(s) Fuzzy Owen

Merle Haggard – Movin’ On Lyrics

Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on
Big wheels rollin’, gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on.

The white line is a life line to a nation
And men like Will and Sonny make it move
Livin’ like a gypsy always on the go
Doin’ what they best know how to do.

Jammin’ gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck drivin’ man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind.

Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on…
Big wheels rollin’ ,gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on.

All night country music keeps ’em goin’
And Will and Sonny keep on movin’ on
A good hot cup of coffee is waitin’ up ahead
And the rhythm of the highway hums along.

Jammin’ gears has got to be a fever
‘Cause men become addicted to the grind
It takes a special breed to be a truck drivin’ man
And a steady hand to pull that load behind.

Big wheels rollin’, big wheels rollin’, movin’ on
Big wheels rollin’ ,gotta keep ’em goin’
Big wheels rollin’, movin’ on…