This is a song that explores the loss of a brother and the emotional "ride" that follows. A must hear that features the excellent guitar work of my very good friend, John Herring.
southern rock
country
maryland
dale haywood
haywoods kin
Story behind the song
I made my first recordings with a friend named John Herring, one of the best musicians I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I also have to say that without John I would have never stepped on a stage, let alone record my own material. I'll always be indebted to him for that.
John and I both have brothers that we are very close to. One day I got a phone call and John told me that he was inspired to write a piece of music and the only words he had were "Ride on, my brother". So he gave me the music and that weekend Heather and I went to Richmond for the Nascar race. Well, it was a blistering hot day and I got in the car to soak up some AC and decided to pop in the CD. The lyrics just rolled out like it was already written. Many consider this to be the best work John and I ever did together and I must agree that it is.
A few months ago, John's brother Steve, who was always a great friend to me, passed away from a long illness. It was this event that showed me why this song was so easy to write. Steve loved this song and we loved Steve very much. He is sadly missed and this song will always be dedicated to his memory.
Lyrics
Brothers
Tryin’ my damndest to get my head together
Sittin’ here watchin’ the sun go down
I talked to your mama early this mornin’
She said her baby … you won’t be comin’ around
She always said we lived way too fast
Said she knew she’d get that call some day
If you think you’ve hurt that woman in the past
I’m here to tell you, son, I’ve never heard that woman hurt that way
-CHORUS-
Ride on, my brother
Spread your wings and fly
Glad I never got to say goodbye
‘Cause I’ll see you someday … We’ll take us a ride on the other side
Those that knew you
Lord, how we loved you
Those that didn’t
Would never understand
This ol’ world never got to see the good inside you
They saw the outlaw … They never met the man
Ride on, my brother
Up there where the eagles fly
Now you’re up there with the others
Tell ‘em I’m on my way … We’ll take us a ride on the other side
-SOLO-
Don’t cry, now mama
Your boy’s hell is over now
He’s blazin’ a trail through glory
You’ll get through this, we’ll get through this
Somehow, it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright
Now ride, ride, my brother
Spread your wings and fly
Glad I never got to say goodbye
‘Cause I’ll see you someday … We’ll take us a ride on the other side