McCall was born Billie Dale Fries on November 15, 1928, in Audubon, Iowa. His father was also called Billie and so he was the junior. He later legally changed his name to William Dale Fries, Jr.
McCall is best known for the 1976 No. 1 hit song, "Convoy". Its theme of using CB radio to rebel against the new federal speed limit of 55 mph was popular and topical so the single sold over two million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA in December 1975. Though McCall is not a one-hit wonder, "Convoy" went on to become his signature song. McCall first charted the song "Wolf Creek Pass", which reached No. 40 on the U.S. pop top 40 in 1975. Two other songs reached the Billboard Hot 100, "Old Home Filler-Up an' Keep on a-Truckin' Cafe", as well as the environmentally-oriented "There Won't Be No Country Music (There Won't Be No Rock 'n' Roll)". "Classified" and "'Round the World with the Rubber Duck" (a pirate-flavored sequel to "Convoy") bubbled under the Hot 100. A dozen McCall songs appeared on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart, including the sentimental "Roses for Mama" (1977).
In 1978, the movie Convoy was released, based on the C. W. McCall song. The film starred Kris Kristofferson, Ali MacGraw, Burt Young, and Ernest Borgnine and was directed by Sam Peckinpah. It featured a new version of the song, written specially for the film.
The song "Convoy" is featured in Grand Theft Auto V. In 2014, Rolling Stone ranked "Convoy" No. 98 on their list of 100 Greatest Country Songs.
In addition to the "original six" McCall albums released between 1975 and 1979, two rare singles exist. "Kidnap America" was a politically/socially-conscious track released in 1980 during the Iran hostage crisis, while "Pine Tar Wars" referred to an event that actually happened in a New York Yankees–Kansas City Royals baseball game during 1983 (a dispute concerning the application of a large quantity of pine tar to a baseball bat used by George Brett, one of the Royals' players).
Fries died on April 1, 2022, at age 93 from complications of cancer. In an interview he conducted on February 9 while in palliative hospice care, he gave his blessing for the use of his signature song "Convoy" for the Freedom Convoy protests in Canada, with Taste of Country noting that he was "energized and enthusiastic" about the revival of interest in the song and its message.
Lonesome Road
C.W. McCall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through the lifetime of a trucker
But me and my good ol' friend here
We gonna make it
It's a long-haulin' road
And the load of life is heavy
But me an' this good ol' truck
Through the wind an' rain an' thunder
'Til the stormy skies are blue
An' the sunrise lights the highway
Headin' home
Well, it's a long lonesome road
Through the lifetime of a trucker
But me and this here ol' truck
We gonna make it
Well, it's a long lonesome road
And the miles of life are many
But me an' these eighteen wheels
We gonna take it
It's a long way to go
And the road ahead is troubled
But this ol' rig and me
We gonna make it
Through the wind an' rain an' thunder
'Til the stormy skies are blue
An' the sunrise lights the highway
Headin' home
It's long lonesome road
Through the lifetime of a trucker
But this ol' truck and me
We gonna make it
Yeah, me and this good ol' friend
We gonna make it
The song "Long Lonesome Road" by C.W. McCall is an ode to the life of a trucker, a nod to the challenges they face on the open road. The lyrics speak of the long, difficult journey that truckers embark on, but also of the bond between them and their trucks. The song highlights that despite the difficulties, truckers and their faithful vehicles will make it through anything.
The lyrics paint a picture of the tough road ahead with difficult weather conditions, but the bond between the trucker and the truck is unbreakable. The verses build up to the chorus, which is more positive and upbeat, celebrating the struggles that are overcome on this long road. The references to storms, sunrises, and the journey home evoke a sense of perseverance, loyalty, and strength.
Overall, "Long Lonesome Road" is a tribute to the resilience of truckers and their trucks. It acknowledges the difficulties of the job but also highlights the courage and determination needed to complete the journey. The song resonates with those who have ever felt alone on a difficult path, and encourages them to keep going, knowing they will make it through.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, it's a long, lonesome road
The journey of a trucker's life is long and lonely
Through the lifetime of a trucker
This journey continues throughout the trucker's whole life
But me and my good ol' friend here
The trucker and their truck are reliable companions
We gonna make it
They are determined to succeed despite the challenges of the road
Through the wind an' rain an' thunder
The trucker and their truck will endure all weather conditions
'Til the stormy skies are blue
They will persist through difficult times until better days come
An' the sunrise lights the highway
They will experience the beauty of the road as they travel towards home
Headin' home
Their journey will eventually lead them back to where they belong
And the miles of life are many
The trucker's life is filled with many miles to travel
But me an' these eighteen wheels
The trucker and their truck's eighteen wheels are ready for the journey
We gonna take it
They will tackle whatever obstacles they face on the road
It's a long way to go
The journey is far from over
And the road ahead is troubled
The road ahead is going to be difficult
But this ol' rig and me
The trucker and their reliable truck will get through it together
Yeah, me and this good ol' friend
The trucker and their truck have a strong bond
We gonna make it
Their determination and perseverance will lead them to success
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@donaldchase9794
I'remember this song I'was a kid in the 70's, now I'm 56,
@ericprun7867
RIP Thanks for the great music
@dixielandhillbilly
I have liked this song since I was very small. I'm 46 years old now and I still love it.
@katohammond
I remember this song. It was the B Side of the record "Convoy".
@AllenPendleton
I had that 45.
@judyfranklin2044
Love this song, we played it at my cousins funeral for he was a long haul driver for 35 years.
@cmfesspbernie
I remember this song from my childhood. Such a good song, soothing.
@SilviaMartinez-pn3yo
Good ole memories. Luv this song .
@stevenbrennon9284
Heard C W is in not too good of health thanks for all the wonderful stories songs hope you get better soon.
@kennethbesselman5739
I was on a bus back then when two Jr. High boys started singing this song