THE LONG HAUL: The Best Songs to Listen to on a Late-Night, Post-Gig Drive

Every once in a while, to facilitate the next day’s commute, to get to the cheaper hotel rooms, or to get to my own bed, I might opt for a 2-3 hour drive after a gig. This means starting around 11-12 at night and staying up into the wee hours chugging gas station coffee and eating Sour Patch Kids.

There’s a specific feeling to this type of drive: existential, in a what-am-I-doing-with-my-life way, but also calm in a nobody-but-me-is-awake kind of way. It reminds me of the painting “Nighthawks,” by Edward Hopper.

During these moments, there are some particular songs I always reach for, songs that have become synonymous with these types of commutes. As I’ve toured with various bandmates over the years, we’ve traded late-night songs, so this is also a collection of songs shared by and with friends. I thought it would be fun to share some of them with you.

Gordon Lightfoot – “Carefree Highway”

With the passing of Gordon Lightfoot, I’ve been thinking about this gorgeous song, which my friend Frank Rische does a tremendous version of.

Key Lyrics:

Searching through the fragments
Of my dream shattered sleep
I wonder if the years have closed her mind?
I guess it must be wanderlust or trying to get free
From the good old faithful feeling we once knew

Hayes Carll – “I Got a Gig”

This song touches on the absurdity of what you sacrifice for terrible gigs at times, the hilarity of telling your partner you can’t be there for some important moment because you need to scream your heart out in a dive for nobody who cares. Solid gold.

Key Lyrics: 

Playin’ for my supper six nights a week
Hurricanes, Easter and New Year’s Eve
Four tin walls now there ain’t much left
Lookin’ like a homeless “Cheers” on meth
Homer’s in the corner, breakin’ up a fight
Good Lord, I hope I get paid tonight
I got a gig, baby

Elizabeth Cotten – “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad”

This is a great option if you’re feeling more peaceful and contemplative. You can’t get more simplistic depth than you do from Elizabeth Cotten. The lyrics speak for themselves, and the sound of this recording will keep you warm on a lonesome late-night drive.

Key Lyrics:

Going down the road feeling bad
Honey babe Lord
Going down the road feeling bad
Honey babe Lord
Going down the road feeling bad
I don’t want to be treated this way

I’ve put a full playlist of road songs in my Substack, “The Weekly Croissant,” so head over there to check it out!