“Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band is a high-octane rock anthem that blazes with raw energy and undeniable storytelling prowess. Released in 1974 on the album “Seven”, this track remains a thunderous testament to Seger’s mastery in blending rock ‘n’ roll grit with sharp narrative finesse. Although it never soared as a massive commercial hit, fans treasure it as a pivotal cornerstone of his early career, illuminating his evolution as a spellbinding songwriter and electrifying performer.
The song’s lyrics narrate a frantic escape—a tale of desperation and urgency as a couple races to flee Denver amid mounting chaos. Rapid-fire verses paint vivid scenes of tension and danger, perfectly captured in lines like “Cause the law’s getting ready to do a number on me,” which strike a rebellious chord and imbue the track with quintessential road song energy.
Musically, “Get Out of Denver” channels the spirit of Chuck Berry-inspired rock ‘n’ roll, boasting a galloping rhythm, bluesy guitar riffs, and pounding piano that propel the song forward like an engine roaring down an open highway. Seger’s raspy, powerful vocals deliver urgent, authentic emotion that electrifies the listener, while The Silver Bullet Band’s precise, tight musicianship pushes the adrenaline-fueled tempo to its breaking point.
Emerging in 1974, Seger stood just on the brink of national stardom. His regional triumphs in Michigan had set a solid foundation, but his iconic breakthrough was still to come with later albums like “Night Moves” and “Live Bullet.” Tracks like “Get Out of Denver” laid essential groundwork, highlighting his gift for relatable storytelling and genuine rock authenticity—qualities that resonated deeply during the 1970s, a decade rife with social and political tumult.
Although it didn’t climb high on the charts, “Get Out of Denver” has become a cult favorite and live performance highlight, hypnotizing audiences with relentless energy and vividly urgent narratives. Its influence stretches beyond Seger’s own recordings, inspiring covers by artists such as Eddie and the Hot Rods, who infused the song with their signature punk edge.
In sum, “Get Out of Denver” captures the very essence of Bob Seger’s artistry—the fearless fusion of storytelling and rock fire. This track, with its blistering tempo and passionate roar, offers listeners an unrelenting journey that embodies the fiery, rebellious heart at rock ‘n’ roll’s core. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to his music, this song is an electrifying ride into the spirit of an American rock legend.
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Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I still remember it was autumn and the moon was shinin’
My ’60 Cadillac was rollin’ through Nebraska whinin’
Doin’ a hundred twenty, man the fields was bendin’ over
Headin’ out for the mountains knowin’ we was travelin’ further
All our fires were blazin’ and the spinnin’ wheels were turnin’ turnin’
Had my girl beside me brother brother she was burnin’ burnin’[Verse 2]
Up walked a Baptist preachin’ southern funky school teacher
She had a line on something heavy but we couldn’t reach her
We told her that we needed something that would get us goin’
She put out all she had and laid it on the counter showin’
All I had to do was lay my money down and pick it up
The cops came bustin’ in and man we lit out in a pickup truck and go[Chorus]
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver, better go
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver
‘Cause you look just like a commie
And you might just be a member, baby
Get out of Denver, baby
Get out of Denver[Bridge]
Well, red lights were flashin’ and the sirens were a screamin’ screamin’
We had to pinch each other just to see if we was dreamin’
Made it to Loveland Pass in under less than half an hour
Lord, it started drizzlin’ and it turned into a thunder shower[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
The rain was drivin’ but the Caddy kept on burnin’ rubber
We kept on drivin’ ’til we ran into some fog cover
We couldn’t see a thing but somehow we just kept on goin’
We kept on drivin’ all night long and then into the mornin’
Fog had finally lifted when we looked to see where we was at
We were staring at a Colorado state policeman trooper cat and go[Chorus]
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver, better go
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver
‘Cause you look just like a commie
And you might just be a member, baby
Get out of Denver, baby
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver, better go
Get out of Denver, better go go
Get out of Denver
‘Cause you look just like a commie
And you might just be a member, baby
Get out of Denver, better go
