About the song
David Allan Coe, a name synonymous with outlaw country, has gifted us with countless gems throughout his career. One such treasure is the poignant ballad, “The Ride”. Released in [Year], this song serves as a contemplative journey through life, love, and the inevitable passage of time.
Coe’s distinctive, gravelly voice is the perfect vehicle for this introspective tale. As the song unfolds, he paints vivid imagery of a long road, a faithful companion, and the bittersweet memories that accumulate along the way. The lyrics, filled with both nostalgia and acceptance, resonate deeply with those who have experienced the ups and downs of life.
“The Ride” is more than just a song; it’s a companion on a personal journey. Whether you’re reminiscing about past loves, reflecting on life’s challenges, or simply enjoying the beauty of a well-crafted lyric, this song offers something for everyone. Coe’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience is evident in every verse.
The song’s arrangement is equally compelling. The steady, rhythmic guitar provides a comforting backdrop, while the pedal steel guitar adds a touch of melancholy. Together, these elements create a sound that is both familiar and evocative.
“The Ride” is a testament to Coe’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, and continues to be cherished by country music fans of all ages.
Key themes explored in the song include:
- The passage of time: The song is a meditation on aging and the inevitable changes that accompany it.
- Love and loss: Coe explores the complexities of love and the pain of losing someone you care about.
- Nostalgia: The song is filled with nostalgic references to the past.
- Acceptance: The song ultimately offers a message of acceptance and peace.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of David Allan Coe or new to his music, “The Ride” is a must-listen. It’s a song that will stay with you long after the final note fades.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I was thumbin’ from Montgomery
I had my guitar on my back
When a stranger stopped beside me in an antique Cadillac
He was dressed like 1950
Half drunk and hollow-eyed
He said, “It’s a long walk to Nashville
Would you like a ride, son?”
And I sat down in the front seat, he turned on the radio
And them sad old songs comin’ out of them speakers
Was solid country gold
Then I noticed the stranger was ghost-white pale
When he asked me for a light
And I knew there was something strange about this ride
He said, “Drifter, can ya make folks cry when you play and sing?
Have you paid your dues, can you moan the blues?
Can you bend them guitar strings?”
He said, “Boy, can you make folks feel what you feel inside?
‘Cause if you’re big star bound let me warn ya, it’s a long, hard ride”
Then he cried just south of Nashville
And he turned that car around
He said, “This is where you get off, boy
‘Cause I’m goin’ back to Alabam'”
As I stepped out of that Cadillac
I said, “Mister, many thanks”
He said, “You don’t have to call me Mister, Mister
The whole world called me Hank”
He said, “Drifter, can ya make folks cry when you play and sing?
Have you paid your dues, can you moan the blues?
Can you bend them guitar strings?”
He said, “Boy, can you make folks feel what you feel inside?
‘Cause if you’re big star bound let me warn ya, it’s a long, hard ride”
He said, “Drifter, can ya make folks cry when you play and sing?
Have you paid your dues, can you moan the blues?
Can you bend them guitar strings?”
He said, “Boy, can you make folks feel what you feel inside?
‘Cause if you’re big star bound let me warn ya, it’s a long, hard ride”
If you’re big star bound let me warn ya, it’s a long, hard ride
You know you got a lot of competition out there
Now the sound, it ain’t like it was in the ’50s when I was here
And then you got Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson
You got Clarke and Billy Joe Shaver and David Allan Coe
And you even got my son
