I was on the outskirts of a little southern town

Trying to reach my destination before the sun went down

The old CB was blarin' away on Channel 1-9

When there came a little boy's voice on the radio line

And he said, "Breaker 1-9, is anyone there?

Come on back truckers and talk to Teddy Bear"

I keyed the mic and I said, "You got it, Teddy Bear"

And the little boy's voice came back on the air

"Appreciate the break, who we got on that end?"

I told him my handle and then he began

"Now, I'm not supposed to bother you fellas out there

Mom says you're busy and for me to stay off the air

But you see, I get lonely and it helps to talk

'Cause that's about all I can do, I'm cripple and I can't walk"

I came back and told him to fire up that mic

And I'd talk to him as long as he'd liked

"This was my dad's radio", the little boy said

"But I guess it's mine and mom's now, 'cause my daddy's dead

Dad had a wreck about a month ago

He was tryin' to get home in the blindin' snow

Mom has to work now to make ends meet

And I'm not much help with my two cripple feet

She says not to worry, that we'll make it alright

But I hear her cryin' sometimes, late at night

You know, there's one thing I want more than anything else to see

Aww, I know you guys are too busy to bother with me

But you see, my dad used to take me for rides when he was home

But, I guess that's all over now, since my daddy's gone"

Not one breaker came on the old CB

As that little crippled boy talked with me

I tried hard to swallow a lump that just wouldn't stay down

As I thought about my boy, back in Greenville town

"Dad was gonna take mom and me with him later on this year

Why I remember him sayin'

"Some day, this old truck will be yours, Teddy Bear"

But, I know I'll never get a ride an 18-wheeler again

But, this old base will keep me in touch with all my trucker friends

Teddy Bear's gonna back on out now and leave you alone

'Cause it's about time for mom to come home

But, you give me shout when you're passin' through

And I'll sure be happy to come back to you"

Well, I came back and I said, "Uh, before you go 10-10

What's your home 20, little CB friend?"

He gave me his address and I didn't once hesitate

'Cause this hot load of freight is just gonna have to wait

I turned that truck around on a dime

And headed straight for Jackson Street, 229

And as I rounded the corner, oh, I got one the heck of a shock

18-wheelers were lined up for three city blocks

Why, I guess every driver for miles around had caught Teddy Bear's call

And that little cripple boy was havin' a ball

For as fast as one driver would carry him in

Another would carry him to his truck and take off again

Well, you better believe I took my turn at ridin' Teddy Bear

And then I carried him back in and put him down in his chair

And buddy, if I'd never live to see happiness again

I want you to know I saw it that day, in the face of that little man

We took up a collection for him before his mama got home

And each driver said goodbye, and then they were all gone

He shook my hand with a mile-long grin

And said, "So long, trucker, I'll catch you again!"

Eh, I hit that Interstate with tears in my eyes

And I turned on the radio and I got another surprise

"Breaker 1-9", came the voice on the air

"Just one word of thanks from Mama Teddy Bear

We wish each and everyone a special prayer for you

'Cause you just made my little boy's dream come true

I'll sign off now, before I start to cry

May God ride with you

10-4, and goodbye"