I’ve Been Everywhere Man

I was totin’ my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high and canvas covered load.
“If you’re going to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride.”
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside.
He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand.
And I said, “Listen, I’ve traveled every road in this here land.”

(Chorus)
I’ve been everywhere, man; I’ve been everywhere, man
‘Cross the deserts bare, man, I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel, I’ve had my share, man, I’ve been everywhere.

I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota,
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota,
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma,
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma,
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo,
Tocopilla, Barranquilla, and Padilla
I’m a killer.

(Chorus)

I’ve been to Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana,
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana,
Monterey, Ferriday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa,
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa,
Tennessee, Hennessey, Chicopee, Spirit Lake,
Grand Lake, Devil’s Lake, Crater Lake,
For Pete’s sake.

(Chorus)

I’ve been to Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika,
Shefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica,
Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport,
Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond Du Lac, Davenport,
Idaho, Jellicoe, Argentina, Diamontina,
Pasadena, Catalina,
See what I mean’a.

(Chorus)

I’ve been to Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravellburg, Colorado,
Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado,
Larrimore, Atmore, Haverstraw, Chattanika,
Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,
Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,
Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City,
What a pity . . .

(Chorus)

I’ve been everywhere.

Geoffrey Mack wrote this great song, originally for Hank Snow. Johnny Cash, heard in the current commercial, recorded it in 1996 for his album Unchained, backed by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

Thanks to Terry at Coyote’s Bark for reminding me I had been intending to post these lyrics. And thanks to Jill for the Johnny Cash track.

One thought on “I’ve Been Everywhere Man”

  1. March 31, 2007 — A correspondent informs NewMexiKen that:

    It was not originally written for Hank Snow. It was written in 1959 and Geoff Mack is an Australian. It originally had Australian place names, and was released in 1962 by Leslie Morrison, or “Lucky Starr”. It listed Australian towns. It was later adapted for North American (primarily United States) place names and re-released by a variety of artists.

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