About The Song
In the vast expanse of country music, few names resonate with the same enduring power as Garth Brooks. With his captivating stage presence, heartfelt vocals, and an unmatched ability to connect with audiences, Brooks has cemented his legacy as one of the genre’s most iconic figures. Among his extensive repertoire of chart-topping hits, “Good Ride Cowboy” stands as a poignant tribute to a fellow musical pioneer, the late Chris LeDoux.
Released in 2005 as the lead single from Brooks’ tenth studio album, The Lost Sessions, “Good Ride Cowboy” marked a heartfelt departure from the upbeat, danceable tunes that had become Brooks’ signature sound. Instead, this ballad adopts a more somber, introspective tone, paying homage to LeDoux’s remarkable life and career.
LeDoux, a true cowboy in every sense of the word, was a champion rodeo bareback rider before finding his calling in country music. His music, deeply rooted in the authentic experiences of the American West, resonated with audiences who shared his love for the rugged beauty and enduring spirit of the frontier.
“Good Ride Cowboy” captures the essence of LeDoux’s life, painting a vivid portrait of a man who embraced life with unwavering determination and unwavering passion. Brooks’ lyrics, infused with a profound sense of respect and admiration, chronicle LeDoux’s journey from the rodeo arena to the concert stage, celebrating his triumphs and acknowledging the challenges he faced along the way.
The song’s gentle melody, reminiscent of the open plains and starlit skies, serves as a fitting backdrop for Brooks’ heartfelt delivery. His voice, imbued with a touch of melancholy yet tempered with unwavering respect, conveys the depth of emotion embedded in the lyrics.
As the song progresses, Brooks masterfully weaves in references to LeDoux’s most iconic songs, such as “Riding for a Rainbow” and “The Last Cowboy.” These subtle nods serve as a testament to LeDoux’s enduring legacy, ensuring that his music and spirit live on in the hearts of country music fans worldwide.
“Good Ride Cowboy” concludes with a poignant outro, as Brooks echoes LeDoux’s own words: “I’ve had a good ride, cowboy.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of LeDoux’s life, a life marked by unwavering determination, unwavering passion, and an unwavering love for the American West.
In “Good Ride Cowboy, Garth Brooks delivers a moving tribute to a true legend, a man who embodied the spirit of the American West and left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Through his heartfelt lyrics and captivating vocals, Brooks ensures that LeDoux’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come with his tales of adventure, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
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Lyric
From the hills of Kaycee, Wyoming,Where life’s wooly and wildCame a Air Force brat, in a cowboy hatAnd that Copenhagen smileAnd from buckin’ broncs to honky tonksHe always sang a cowboy songWe were much to young, having too much funAs we all sang alongAnd we sang Life’s a HighwayThere’s only one way you’re gonna get through itWhen she starts to twist, be more like ChrisPull your hat down tight, and just LeDoux itWhen that whistle blows, and the crowd explodesAnd them pickup-men are at your sideThey tell you “Good ride, cowboy, good ride”Well gold buckles to gold recordsOnce again he was spinnin’ roundTook the whole world on, and he turned us onTo that Western undergroundAnd from bareback jack to this cowboy’s hatThe songs were stronger than his painHe would not slow down, from town to townLike children running through the rainAnd he sang Life’s a HighwayThere’s only one way you’re gonna get through itWhen she starts to twist, be more like ChrisPull your hat down tight, and just LeDoux itWhen that whistle blows, and that crowd explodesAnd them pickup-men are at your sideThey tell you “Good ride, cowboy, good ride”We sang Life’s a HighwayThere’s only one way you’re gonna get through it (yeah!)When she starts to twist, be more like ChrisPull your hat down tight (“let me have it!”), and just LeDoux itWhen that whistle blows, and that crowd explodesAnd them pickup-men are at your sideThey tell you “Good ride, cowboy, good ride”Then he crossed that River JordanWith St. Peter on the other sideSingin’ “Good ride, cowboy, good ride”Say “Good ride, cowboy, good ride!”