Keep On Truckin'
Hot Tuna Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Well now keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Here you come mama big as sin, tell what you been doin' by the shape you're in
So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
If you been doin' what I think you been doin' baby, can't do that 'round here
You been doin' what I think you been doin' baby, can't do that 'round here
Here you come mam big as hell, tell what you been doin' by way you smell
So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
What's that smell like fish pretty baby, I really would like to know
Tell me What's that smell like fish oh mama, I really would like to know
That ain't puddin' baby ain't no pie, it's the stuff that I got you by
So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Now yes you gotta leave this mornin', get your yas yas outta my door
Now yes you gotta leave this mornin', get your yas yas outta my door




Ashes to ashes mama, dust to dust, what-cha gonna do when that damn thing rusts
So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away

Overall Meaning

Hot Tuna's "Keep On Truckin'" is a blues rock song that exudes a carefree attitude towards life's problems, suggesting that one should keep moving forward and not let their troubles get them down. The phrase "keep on truckin'" is used as a metaphor for just that – continuing onward in the face of adversity. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song acts as a refrain, emphasizing its importance and encouraging the listener to adopt the same mentality.


The lyrics of the song are directed towards a woman, who is referred to as "mama." It suggests that she has been out doing something that is frowned upon and that she should keep moving on. The line "tell what you been doing by the shape you're in" implies that the woman has been engaging in some sort of physically demanding activity, which contributes to her physique. The line "what's that smell like fish pretty baby, I really would like to know" suggests that the woman has been fishing, a traditionally male-dominated activity.


The song is upbeat and energizing, featuring fast-paced guitar riffs and a lively drumbeat. Its catchy melody made it a popular anthem of the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and 70s. Overall, "Keep On Truckin'" is a powerful message of resilience and perseverance that is still relevant today.


Line by Line Meaning

Well now keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Let's keep going, Mom, and leave our troubles behind


Keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Let's keep on moving, Mom, and forget about our worries


Here you come mama big as sin, tell what you been doin' by the shape you're in
You look different, Mom. What have you been up to lately?


So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Let's keep moving, Mom, and shake off our sadness


If you been doin' what I think you been doin' baby, can't do that 'round here
If you did what I suspect you did, Mom, you shouldn't have done it here


Here you come mam big as hell, tell what you been doin' by way you smell
You smell different, Mom. What have you been doing recently?


What's that smell like fish pretty baby, I really would like to know
I can smell something fishy, Mom. What is it, exactly?


Tell me What's that smell like fish oh mama, I really would like to know
Seriously, Mom, what's that fishy smell? I want to understand


That ain't puddin' baby ain't no pie, it's the stuff that I got you by
That's not dessert, Mom. It's something else that I'm holding against you


Now yes you gotta leave this mornin', get your yas yas outta my door
I'm sorry, Mom, but you have to leave now. Please pack up and go


Ashes to ashes mama, dust to dust, what-cha gonna do when that damn thing rusts
We'll all die one day, Mom, and everything will turn to dust. What will you do then?


So keep on truckin' mama, truckin' my blues away
Let's keep moving forward, Mom, and ignore our troubles




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANITA POREE, FRANK WILSON, FRANK EDWARD WILSON, LEONARD CASTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

MalignantCarsonoma

I wish music would've stayed like this. Real talent and real musicians

Michael Craig

@RandyTheBee Ally Venable, and Danielle Nicole are the greatest!

RandyTheBee

Check out Post Modern Jukebox, and Playing for Change. Gabriella Quevado .
Real music , real musicians are still here.

1 More Replies...

roy skuderin

How can you NOT love this, especially Papa John Creech on fiddle?

Sugaree Wazoo

Well stated. Who are these people that sincerely don’t like this tune?? ( I am not referring to a troll that hits dislike agenda - that is an entirely different animal); I do know this: I do not know them, and would never hang out with them. Peace

1 More Replies...

Wayne Gates

I remember Hot Tuna from when I was a kid back in 69. My older brother owned this album and I played it over and over.

Mike Hall

Wayne Gates

scalemiester

Dude! You ain't too young!!! In some respects they sound better today than they did a couple decades ago. Jorma & Jack tour a lot these days. Usually with mandolin genius Barry Mitterhoff and sometimes with a drummer (who's awesome). Check out their site and jump on the wagon. You won't be disappointed!!!!

Jan Gidget Gillihan

Every song on this album is GREAT! Every one.

Jim Lucia

always love me some Hot Tuna..Really love them live...great song...

More Comments

More Versions