Paul Hudnott - Diesel Smoke (Star Central 2025)

ARTIST: Paul Hudnott
SONG: Diesel Smoke
WRITERS: Paul Hudnott

BIO:
Paul moved to Australia from England in 1966 at age two and a half. Now a proud Australian citizen, he has embraced his homeland and channels its stories into his music.

His debut album, New Life on the Land, is a dream realised, showcasing his deep connection to the land and passion for storytelling. The album builds on the success of his hit “Mr. Rainbow Man,” which charted on Oz Hot Trax, and features Paul’s signature easy-going style and heartfelt lyrics. Produced by Mark Donohoe, it also includes contributions from renowned musicians Chris Murphy and Ian Simpson, adding depth to its authentic country sound.

Paul’s journey to music was anything but conventional. He spent years working as a farmer, truck driver, and stagehand before stepping into the spotlight. His firsthand experiences of rural life shape his distinctive storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences.

I worked many years on the land farming and then driving my own truck. Diesel Smoke is about my old White Road Commander Truck, in which I clocked up many miles on the highway from Geraldton to Perth seven days a week for many years. I love writing songs that tell a story about the people and this great land. I am proud of Diesel Smoke, which was in the Top 10 of CCMA National Songwriter of the Year 2024.

New Life on the Land marks a new chapter, further cementing his place in Australian country music. With each release, Paul continues to grow his audience, delivering songs that capture the heart and soul of the land he calls home.

LYRICS:

I WAS HEADED OUT OF PERTH
IN MY CAB OVER JEMMY SCREAMING
WHITE ROAD COMMANDER
DIESEL TRUCK

AND IM PULLING THREE TRAILERS
OF CONCRETE SLEEPERS
HEADED FOR THE NARNGULU TRACK

NOW MY TRUCKS A LITTLE OLD
AND SHE BLOWS A LOT OF SMOKE
FROM THEM FIVE INCH SHINEY CHROME STACKS

WE BE RUNNING AT NIGHT
SO, YOU CAN’T SEE THE SMOKE
AS WE CLIMB THOSE HILLS ALONG THE WAY

YER, I LOVE THIS ROAD
ITS THE ONLY LIFE I KNOW
AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND
THAT BLACK DIESEL SMOKE

YOU CAN HEAR THAT UNIQUE SOUND OF MY
SUPER CHARGED V EIGHT
TWO STROKE DETROIT ENGINE
WHEN SHE’S PULLING LIKE A TRAIN
GROSSING NINTY TONNES OR MORE
AND RUNNING A LITTLE OVERWEIGHT

WELL, WE’VE GOT A LOT OF GEARS
FROM THIS TWIN STICK QUAD BOX
AND SPLIT SHIFT JOEY TO BOOT
SO, IF YOU GIVE HER THE RAINS
SHUFFLE THOSE GEARS
BLACK SMOKE IS ALL YOU’SEE

YER, I LOVE THIS ROAD
ITS THE ONLY LIFE I KNOW
AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND
THAT BLACK DIESEL SMOKE

JUST ONE FUEL STOP
TO KEEP THIS ENGINE RUNNING
AND A QUICK WALK AROUND THIS OLD TRUCK
THERE BE NO ROADHOUSE HOPPIN
WHEN THAT DETROIT’S A HUMMIN
THERES STILL FIVE HUNDRED MILES TO GO

ONCE YOU LEAVE THE BLACK TOP
HEADING TO AN OUTPOST
ITS JUST THIS OLD WHITE AND ME
WITH GRAVEL ROADS AND CREEKS
WE’LL TAKE EM IN OUR STRIDE
AND PULL UP JUST IN TIME FOR TEA

YER, I LOVE THIS ROAD
ITS THE ONLY LIFE I KNOW
AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND
THAT BLACK DIESEL SMOKE

YER, I LOVE THIS ROAD
ITS THE ONLY LIFE I KNOW
AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND
THAT BLACK DIESEL SMOKE

AND I LOVE THIS TRUCK AND
THAT BLACK DIESEL SMOKE