Gerald Johanneck: A Truck Driver's Life

Описание: Gerald Johanneck, an 86 year-old truck driver from Southwest Minnesota, shares his life story with children of his community about bank robberies, stockyard strikes and the first time he was ever afraid. The video demonstrates how oral traditions create a vital link between different generations. From this interview Larry Long with youth from his hometown of Wabasso, Minnesota wrote a song in Gerald Johanneck's honor entitled Hauling Freights, No Fences.    • Hauling Freight, No Fences by Larry Long  

Produced by Barry Kimm & Larry Long

Hauling Freight, No Fences
(Honoring Gerald Johannick: A Truck Driver's Life)

Hauling freight, no fences
In those days of small pasture
Wild hay a blowing
Beneath the prairie sky
Cornbread and molasses
Brown sugar and butter
Oatmeal and pancakes
Two feet high
Lord knows I’ve traveled a long, long time
Hauling freight on the Dray Line

In those days hoboes
Followed the weather
Helped thrash for bread
Working their life away
My dad loved farming
I hated horses
Bought a Studebaker
Moved into town
Lord knows I’ve traveled a long, long time
Hauling freight on the Dray Line

Went to Chicago
Saw my first diesel
At the world’s fair
Six miles long
Saw Ma’ Barker
Homer Van Meter
Rob a post office
With Pretty Boy Floyd
Lord knows I’ve traveled a long, long time
Hauling freight on the Dray Line

Became a trucker
Had a disaster
Hogs went a-flying
Nearly lost my life
Machine guns at Plymouth
While hauling cattle
Into the stock yards
In South St. Paul
Lord knows I’ve traveled a long, long time
Hauling freight on the Dray Line

My mother she lived
Three plus a hundred
My wife she died
Six years ago
If you want to find me
I’ll be at the gas station
Drinking pop and coffee
With friends of mine
Lord knows I’ve traveled a long, long time
Hauling freight on the Dray Line

Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1988; Renewed 2019 / BMI
All Rights Reserved

*Lyrics collectively written with Youth from Wabasso, Minnesota through Larry Long's program entitled: Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song
Copyright Larry Long 1988; Renewed 2019 / BMI