Route 66 Chuck A Beat

“ROUTE 66” is Chuck A Beat’s definitive, swagger-filled rock anthem—a high-octane tribute to the legendary highway, built on a foundation of grease, leather, and pure American rebellion.

The True Story Behind "ROUTE 66"

I wrote this song because, as a young woman, I used to ride motorbikes and always dreamed of cruising down the famous Route 66. I didn’t really know which towns or cities the highway passed through, so I Googled the route and started exploring every stop along the way. There were far too many to use, so I decided to skip the obvious big cities and give some of the smaller towns their moment in the spotlight instead.

I looked up what each place was known for, and that’s where the fun began. When I saw Springfield, I laughed — I’ve never watched a single episode of The Simpsons, but thanks to quiz shows, I know the characters’ names. I couldn’t resist adding a little twisted humour with Bart and Maggie sneaking their way into the verse.

Then I spotted Winslow, Arizona — and instantly knew it had to be in there. I’ve loved The Eagles my whole life and even saw them live at Rod Laver Arena in 2019, so I had to give that lyric a playful nod too. The rest is history — a love letter to freedom, laughter, and the open road, written by a woman who still loves the roar of an engine and a bit of mischief in her music.

Credits:
Singer: James Miller
Guitar: Gaston
Other instruments: Digital
Written & Composed: V J Collins
Producer: V J Collins and Gass Studios
Studio: Gass Studios
Recorded: 13 June 2025 (Gass Studios)
Released: 25 July 2025

ROUTE 66 by Chuck A Beat Lyrics

Two wheels on the highway — did it all my way,
Leather all around, hit the ground by the bay.
Wind in my teeth, no plans to obey,
Took a shot of Jack just to start the damn day.
Babe on the back, her lips fire and flare,
Boots on the dash, not a single care.
Radio screamin’ like a rock ’n’ roll prayer,
Yeah, what a life — ridin’ on a damn leather chair!

Chorus:
Ridin’ Route 66 with my baby on the back,
Got a whiskey grin and a leather sack.
From motel beds to desert tricks —
Damn right, I got rooted on Route 66!
Wore the boots, route the root, bring it on,
Fuelled by sin and a rebel song.
Burnin’ rubber, bangin’ chrome —
Ridin’ wild, on my way back home.

Started out in Pontiac, hit the Hall of Fame,
Snapped a pic with the mural, carved in my name.
Rolled through Joliet, Gemini Giant wave,
Bloomington lights and Lincoln’s old grave.
Springfield next — no Bart in sight,
But Maggie high-fived me — what a tiny mite!
Then down to Galena where the miners misbehave,
And burros in Seligman ain’t never been brave.

Texas toast in Shamrock, kicked it old school,
Amarillo steak — too big for one fool.
Cadillac Ranch lit up in neon light,
Santa Fe skies had us buzzed all night.
Albuquerque haggled, Santa Rosa tricks,
Blue Hole splash, lost my sunnies — and kicks!
Wheels kept turnin’ — still breakin’ every rule,
Gettin’ real damn rooted on Route 66.

Chorus:
Ridin’ Route 66 with my baby on the back,
Got a whiskey grin and a leather sack.
From motel beds to desert tricks —
Damn right, I got rooted on Route 66!
Wore the boots, route the root, bring it on,
Fuelled by sin and a rebel song.
Burnin’ rubber, bangin’ chrome —
Ridin’ wild, on my way back home.

No Eagles in the corner at Winslow, Arizona,
Just tumbleweeds singin’ that dusty persona.
Holbrook heat and a petrified stare,
Flagstaff girls with purple hair.
Seligman signs, burros struttin’ in style,
Kingman bar fights got wild for a while.
Oatman gold dust and donkeys with tricks,
Then Cali called — last leg of 66.

My nuts got roasted in Needles, California,
Hotter than hell — don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Stopped for the night in a desert ghost town,
Then blazed the road for San Bernardino’s crown.
Hit Mickey D’s for a greasy cup o’ cheer,
Then chased the sun to the Santa Monica Pier.
Kicked off my boots, sand up to my thighs,
Blowin’ my harp while the ocean sighs.

Final Chorus:
Ridin’ Route 66 with my baby on the back,
Got a whiskey grin and a leather sack.
From motel beds to desert tricks —
Damn right, I got rooted on Route 66!
Wore the boots, route the root, bring it on,
Fuelled by sin and a rebel song.
Burnin’ rubber, bangin’ chrome —
Ridin’ wild, on my way back home.

Was it a root, was it a route...
Or a god damn trout?
Anyways… I’m out.