The Ride
David Allan Coe
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When I was thumbing 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 Well, I sat down in the front seat He turned on the radio And them sad old songs coming outta them speakers was solid country gold Then I noticed the stranger was ghost white pale When I asked him for a light And I knew there was something strange about this ride He said, "Mister, can you 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 you 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" And as I stepped outta that Cadillac I said, "Mister, many thanks" He said, "You don't have to call me mister, mister The whole world calls me Hank" He said, "Mister, can you 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 you it's a long hard ride" He said, "Drifter can you 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 you, it's a long, hard ride" If you're big star bound let me warn you it's a long, hard ride
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Written by: Gary Gentry, J.B. Detterline
Lyrics © NEWWRITERS MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
7 facts about this song
Background and Production"The Ride" is a song written by Gary Gentry and J.B. Detterline Jr.
- It was recorded by David Allan Coe for his album, "Castles in the Sand" released in 1983.
- Produced by Billy Sherrill, an influential figure in the Nashville country music community, it was released by Columbia Records.
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Song's Theme and InterpretationThe song tells the story of a hitchhiker's encounter with the ghost of late country music legend Hank Williams Sr.
- It explores themes of dedication to craft, musical heritage, and the mystical continuation of the creative spirit after death.
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Chart PerformanceThe song was a significant hit for David Allan Coe. It peaked at number four on the Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart in the United States.
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ReceptionDespite not reaching number one, "The Ride" is considered one of Coe's best songs. It is widely appreciated not only for its lyrical depth but also the unique narrative it offers and its step away from traditional country storytelling.
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Live PerformancesOver the years, "The Ride" became a favorite at Coe's live concerts. The song's narrative arc and Coe's dramatic rendition invariably draw applause from audiences.
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Cultural ImpactCoe’s depiction of meeting the spirit of Hank Williams and the subsequent advice received is treated as a metaphor for the eternal influence of Hank Williams in the world of country music.
- The popularity of "The Ride" helped establish David Allan Coe as an important figure in the outlaw country subgenre.
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Song's LegacyThe song has been covered by various artists such as Hank Williams III, son of Hank Williams Jr., as a nod to their familial link mentioned in the song itself.
- It is often cited as having one of the greatest twists in country music storytelling, making it a timeless classic in the genre.
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