Ride Me Back Home

Album: Ride Me Back Home (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title track of Willie Nelson's 69th solo studio album, "Ride Me Back Home" is a reworking of a familiar country trope: the horse as a symbol of freedom. The song was inspired by the 60-odd rescue nags that Nelson keeps on his Texas ranch.
  • This gentle trundle was written by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Sonny Throckmorton (Johnny Duncan's "Thinking of a Rendezvous," The Judds' "Why Not Me"), his daughter Debby Throckmorton, Joe Manuel and Lucinda Hinton.

    It was Hinton who first came up with the idea of honoring all that the horse has done for the human race. She approached her friend, songwriter Sonny Throckmorton, with some lyrics. Throckmonton, who lives near Nelson's ranch in Luck, Texas, was inspired to complete the song after meeting the country star's rescue horses. Nelson was only too glad to record the tune, knowing its message might save more lives.
  • This won the Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2020 ceremony. It was Nelson's 10 Grammy.

Comments: 1

  • Carolyn from New Lexington, Ohio 43764Willie, you are singing my soul with Ride Me Back Home - Was living my dream with my horse rescue then my lease was dropped. The saddness is ongoing..
    Love ya man.... Thank you for the good times... tunes
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.