About the song
“The Ride” by David Allan Coe is a captivating country song that weaves a compelling narrative about the life of a hitchhiker who encounters the ghost of Hank Williams Sr. Released in 1983 as part of Coe’s album *Castles in the Sand*, this song showcases Coe’s exceptional storytelling ability and his deep connection to the roots of country music.
Written by David Allan Coe himself, “The Ride” is a masterful piece of storytelling that blurs the lines between reality and myth. The song follows the journey of a young man who hitches a ride with a mysterious stranger driving a Cadillac. As they travel down the highway, the stranger reveals himself to be the ghost of Hank Williams Sr. and imparts words of wisdom about the highs and lows of life as a country musician.
“The Ride” received widespread acclaim upon its release, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1983. This success solidified Coe’s reputation as a formidable force in country music and highlighted his ability to connect with audiences through his poignant lyrics and soulful delivery.
The album *Castles in the Sand*, which features “The Ride”, received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Coe’s raw, unapologetic style shines through in this album, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his willingness to push the boundaries of the genre.
For fans of David Allan Coe and traditional country music, “The Ride” remains a cherished classic that captures the essence of the genre. Its timeless appeal and haunting narrative continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in Coe’s illustrious career.
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