The woman and her children are left to pray for Daddy's safety, and in sadness and anticipation of a long night of worrying, sing the refrain to the song to comfort them.

In the song's third and final verse, Mama and the children wait up all night long, thinking that the next phone call will bring the worst possible news.

However, "the Man upstairs" (an American reference to God) was listening – when the phone rings and Mama answers it, the voice on the other end is that of Daddy, apparently safe and sound.

The album version of "Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)" is approximately 40 seconds longer than the 7-inch single released for radio airplay and retail sale.

On the Livin' Lovin' Rockin' Rollin' box set, the album version is presented in its entirety with no crossfade to "Carolina Mountain Dewe", as well as a slight extension of the opening truck sound effects.