What does the expression Keep on Trucking Mean?

Answer 1

The phrase was frequently and widely used in the African American community prior to Curtis Mayfield's use in song. The brilliant Mr. Mayfield was very much an artist that reflected his community and his times and the use of this phrase is just such an instance. The origin? I cant help you. Good luck in your search.

Answer 2

This expression comes from, at least in the last 35 years, from the famous R. Crumb drawing. Essentially, the expression means keep on living life: persist, soldier on, don't give up. Adam Smith (1723-1790) refers to 'trucking' as a way of getting what you want from someone else by appealing to their own self-interest: 'We address ourselves not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages. As it is by treaty, by barter, and by purchase that we obtain from one another the greater part of those mutual good offices that we stand in need of, so it is this same trucking disposition which originally gives occasion to the division of labour.'

Crumb's famous drawing may be a satire on hippy culture, as a constant endless series of hustles and hawking (in the name of 'free' love).

Answer 3

Keep trying, don't give up.