Introduction
“Ride Me Back Home,” released in 2019, marks Willie Nelson’s 69th solo studio album and stands as the closing chapter in a trilogy confronting themes of mortality. The first two installments, “God’s Problem Child” (2017) and “Last Man Standing” (2018), set the stage for this introspective collection.
The title track, penned by Sonny Throckmorton, became a surprising Grammy winner for Nelson in the “Best Country Solo Performance” category. The song’s origins are steeped in Nelson’s ranch life. Throckmorton, a neighbor and friend, reportedly wrote the lyrics after witnessing the retired horses Nelson rescues from slaughterhouses finding solace on his property. This connection resonated deeply with Nelson, a longtime advocate for animal welfare.
“Ride Me Back Home” transcends the literal, transforming the yearning of weary horses into a metaphor for a life well-lived, seeking comfort and familiarity in the twilight years. The album itself embraces this sentiment. Buddy Cannon, Nelson’s longtime producer, nudged the inclusion of “Stay Away from Lonely Places,” a forgotten gem from Nelson’s 1972 album. This act of revisiting the past adds another layer to the theme of reflection.
The broader selection of songs on “Ride Me Back Home” reflects Nelson’s diverse musical influences. From self-penned tracks to covers of artists like Billy Joel and Guy Clark, the album showcases Nelson’s ability to weave a tapestry of emotions and experiences.
So, as you listen to “Ride Me Back Home,” prepare to embark on a journey – a contemplation of life’s path, the solace of familiar ground, and the enduring spirit that carries us all, yearning to be “ridden back home.”