Keep On Truckin'

Album: Eddie Kendricks (1973)
Charted: 18 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Keep on truckin'" is a phrase of encouragement meaning to stay focused regardless of circumstances or setbacks. The term originates from a song first recorded by Blind Boy Fuller in the 1930s, "Truckin' My Blues Away."

    Truckin' on down the line
    Hey hey hey
    I say keep on truckin'
    Truckin' my blues away


    The phrase was popularized by the US underground cartoonist Robert Crumb in a one-page comic published in the first issue of Zap Comix in 1968. In this song, Kendricks is in pursuit of good lovin', as he's truckin' to see his girl.
  • This song was Eddie Kendricks' first major hit as a solo artist, coming two years after his departure from The Temptations. He believed it was the title that ensured it was a success. "The old people used to truck when they were dancing. And I knew the trucking industry would embrace the record," Kendricks told Fred Bronson.
  • The song's grooves were clearly aimed at the dance floor and it was arguably the first-recorded and released disco hit record. Other possible candidates for the first disco hit include "TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)," George McRae's "Rock Your Baby," The Hues Corporation's "Rock The Boat" and Barry White's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe."
  • The line, "In old Temptation's rain, I'm duckin'" is a sly reference to Kendricks' former band, The Temptations.

Comments: 6

  • Steveazo from San Mateo, CaSpeaking to Patrick Merrick's comment/question about parts one and two: Tamla single 54238 was released with Part 1 on the A-Side/Side 1 and Part 2 on the B-Side/Side 2. The Part 1 "single edit" is 3 min, 21 seconds long; Part 2 is 2 min, 59 seconds long. The album version is 8 minutes long.
  • Gloria Krolak, The Vibes Lady from The South At 2:40 - 3:10 you can hear Gary Coleman playing the vibraphone, unusual instrumentation for this genre. Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo introduced the vibes to jazz in the 1930s where it caught on. Same not true of rock, r&b, etc.
  • AnonymousWhat a track, stands the test of time.Eddie Kendricks gone way too soon
  • Patrick K. Merrick from Hillsboro Oreg.I remember the song. There is a part one and part two. Were both parts released as singles or only part one?
  • Joyce from VegasNot true. Back when Blind Boy Fuller recorded it, songs alluding to sex were not permitted, hence the word "truckin" which rhymes with another word. That's what Fuller's song was about. Re-read the lyric using the forbidden word and you will see what I mean.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn December 29th 1973, Eddie Kendricks performed "Keep on Truckin'" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'...
    At the time the song was at #40 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and seven weeks earlier on November 4th, 1973 it peaked at #1 {for 2 weeks} and spent 19 weeks on the Top 100...
    And on September 30th it also reached #1 {for 2 weeks} on Billboard's R&B Singles chart...
    On the same 'Bandstand' show he also performed "Boogie Down"; and the very next day it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 at position #76, then on March 3rd, 1974 it peaked at #2* {for 2 weeks} and stayed on the chart for 18 weeks...
    Edward James Kendricks passed away on October 5th, 1992 at the young age of 52...
    May he R.I.P.
    * The 2 weeks "Boogie Down" was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks; but on February 3rd, 1974 “Boogie Down” peaked at #1 {for 3 weeks} on Billboard's R&B Singles chart.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.