“Get Out of Denver” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band explodes as a high-octane rock anthem that burns with raw energy and storytelling mastery. Released in 1974 on the album “Seven”, this electrifying track stands as a bold testament to Seger’s skillful blending of rock ‘n’ roll grit with gripping narrative. While not soaring to the top of commercial charts, it remains an unyielding fan favorite, holding a special place in the roots of Seger’s evolving career as a songwriter and performer.
The song’s lyrics unfold like a fast-paced thriller, recounting a desperate couple’s frantic escape from Denver amid rising chaos. Vivid, rapid-fire verses such as “Cause the law’s getting ready to do a number on me” plunge listeners into a world of tension, danger, and rebellious urgency—defining it as a quintessential road song. The relentless rhythm beneath these words pounds like a roaring engine tearing down an open highway, carried by the powerful musicianship of Seger’s band.
Musically, the track borrows heavily from Chuck Berry-inspired rock ‘n’ roll, featuring a galloping driving beat, scorching bluesy guitar riffs, and pounding piano keys. Seger’s raspy, evocative vocals scream authenticity and urgency, backed perfectly by the tight, electrifying performance of the Silver Bullet Band. Together, they create a sonic experience charged with speed and raw passion.
Emerging in a time of national unrest and societal shifts—the turbulent 1970s—“Get Out of Denver” echoed the spirit of escape and defiance. Released at a juncture when Seger was’still building his national presence, it foreshadowed the breakout success he would later achieve with albums like “Night Moves” and “Live Bullet”. According to longtime fans and critics alike, this song embodies Seger’s honest, unpretentious approach to music during a decade starved for real and relatable voices.
Though the track didn’t climb major charts, its legacy burns brightly. It remains a staple in Seger’s live sets and a cult classic among devotees. Its vivid storytelling and relentless energy have inspired future rock and punk acts—bands like Eddie and the Hot Rods have put their own fiery spin on the song, honoring its intense legacy.
In the words of a devoted fan interviewed after a recent concert, “Listening to ‘Get Out of Denver’ is like hopping into a roaring car and racing down a wild highway—there’s no looking back. It grabs your soul with its pulse and story. That’s real rock ‘n’ roll, pure and raw.”
“Get Out of Denver” is more than just a song—it is a timeless embodiment of Bob Seger’s rebellious heart and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, a thrilling ride through vivid lyrics and blistering tempo that refuses to fade away.
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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
