Song Information
Originally written in 1946 by American songwriter Bobby Troup, “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” quickly became a classic American road song. It was first recorded by Nat King Cole with the King Cole Trio and later covered by numerous artists, including Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and John Mayer.
Asleep at the Wheel’s version brings a vibrant Western swing flavor to the iconic track. Their rendition was featured on the 1992 album Route 66, which was a tribute to the historic highway and its influence on American culture. The band’s cover captures the energy of the open road while staying true to their Texas-style roots, led by Ray Benson’s distinctive vocals and infectious rhythms.
Song Narrative
“Route 66” is more than a travel itinerary—it’s a joyful celebration of America’s most legendary highway. The lyrics follow a journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, name-dropping towns and cities along the way: St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Gallup, Flagstaff, and more.
In Asleep at the Wheel’s hands, the song becomes a rhythmic ride, full of twangy guitars, jazzy horns, and danceable beats. It paints a picture of freedom on four wheels, inviting the listener to imagine the wind in their hair, tires rolling on hot pavement, and neon signs glowing along dusty roadside diners.
But the song is more than just travel nostalgia. It captures a uniquely American spirit—one that values discovery, spontaneity, and the thrill of the journey as much as the destination. In an era where air travel and digital maps dominate, “Route 66” remains a love letter to a simpler time when driving across the country was a rite of passage.
Exploring the Message
Why does a song from 1946 still hit so hard today? Because Route 66 isn’t just about geography—it’s about identity.
The original Route 66, known as the “Mother Road,” was a highway of hope during the Great Depression and WWII. It offered escape, opportunity, and new beginnings. People followed it west chasing dreams, jobs, and a better life. As America changed, so did Route 66—eventually decommissioned in 1985, its original form faded into memory. But the emotional power remained.
Asleep at the Wheel’s version revives that spirit with Western swing energy, giving a voice to the longing many of us feel for freedom, movement, and meaningful connection to the land. It’s not just about “getting your kicks.” It’s about remembering what it means to explore, to feel alive, and to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
In today’s fast-paced world, where destinations matter more than the ride, “Route 66” reminds us that the soul of America isn’t found in arrival—but in the stories collected mile by mile.
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Lyrics