Ride Like the Wind

Christopher Cross

About Ride Like the Wind

"Ride Like the Wind" is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross. It was released in February 1980 as the lead single from his Grammy-winning self-titled debut album. It reached number 2 on the US charts for four consecutive weeks. On the album's inner sleeve, Christopher Cross dedicated this song to Lowell George, formerly of the band Little Feat, who had died in 1979. It features backing vocals by Michael McDonald and a guitar solo by Cross.  


Year:
2008
21 
#2

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It is the night
My body's weak
I'm on the run
No time to sleep
I've got to ride
Ride like the wind
To be free again

And I've got such a long way to go (such a long way to go)
To make it to the border of Mexico
So I'll ride like the wind
Ride like the wind

I was born the son of a lawless man
Always spoke my mind with a gun in my hand
Lived nine lives
Gunned down ten
Gonna ride like the wind

And I've got such a long way to go (such a long way to go)
To make it to the border of Mexico
So I'll ride like the wind
Ride like the wind

Gonna ride like the wind

Accused and tried and told to hang
I was nowhere in sight when the church bells rang
Never was the kind to do as I was told
Gonna ride like the wind before I get old

It is the night
My body's weak
I'm on the run
No time to sleep
I've got to ride
Ride like the wind
To be free again

And I've got such a long way to go (such a long way to go)
To make it to the border of Mexico
So I'll ride like the wind
Ride like the wind

And I've got a long way to go (such a long way to go)
To make it to the border of Mexico
So I'll ride like the wind
Ride like the wind
Gonna ride like the wind

Ride!

Gonna ride like the wind

Ride!

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Christopher Cross

Christopher Cross (born Christopher Charles Geppert; May 3, 1951) is an American singer-songwriter from San Antonio, Texas. His debut album earned him five Grammys. He is perhaps best known for his US Top Ten hit songs, "Sailing", "Ride Like the Wind", and "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", the last of which he recorded for the film Arthur starring Dudley Moore. "Sailing" earned three Grammy Awards in 1981, while "Arthur's Theme" won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1981 (with co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager and Peter Allen). more »

3 fans

Written by: CHRISTOPHER C. CROSS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Release Information
"Ride Like the Wind" is a song by American singer and songwriter Christopher Cross. Released in 1979, it was the debut single from his eponymous debut album.
Album Achievement
The song came from the album "Christopher Cross" which was notable for winning the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1981.
Chart Performance
"Ride Like the Wind" peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in April 1980, remaining there for four consecutive weeks.
Collaboration
The song features backing vocals by Michael McDonald, the five-time Grammy-winning lead singer of The Doobie Brothers.
Songwriting Inspiration
Christopher Cross has stated that the urgency of the song was inspired by a late-night drive back to his home in San Antonio, Texas after a session of songwriting.
Distinctive Sound
The song is recognized by Cross's buoyant melody, paired with McDonald's prominent backing vocals, and the intricate layering of the rock and pop elements.
Legacy
"Ride Like the Wind" has been covered several times, including versions by Saxon, Freddie James, Bill Fredericks, and East Side Beat.
Pop Culture References
The song has been used in various popular TV shows and films, including "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," and "Family Guy."
Jazz Influence
The song's instrumental break features a harmonica solo with a distinct jazz influence.
Music Video
The music video for the song, directed by Andrew Morahan, was filmed at several locations in the San Antonio area and aired on MTV in 1980.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics are about a criminal on the run to Mexico and uses the metaphor of riding like the wind to escape the law.
Recording Process
The song was recorded using a combination of analog and digital techniques, a groundbreaking process at the time.
Award Nominations
Though "Ride Like the Wind" did not win any Grammy itself, it was part of the album that helped Cross make history by winning all four General Field Grammy awards (Record, Album, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist) in a single year.
Musical Components
The instrumental section of the song is notable for its sophisticated, layered sound. It includes a unique combination of harmonica, synthesizers, and guitar.
Genre Classification
Though often considered a soft rock or yacht rock song, "Ride Like the Wind" incorporates elements of jazz and pop.

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    Ride Like the Wind

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #2


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