About The Song
In 1973 Bobby Bare released the self-produced album *Ride Me Down Easy*, marking an important step in his artistic independence. The title track, written by Billy Joe Shaver, became one of the standout songs of the project and a solid chart performer. The recording captured Bare at a creative peak, blending strong songwriting with his signature warm, storytelling delivery. It reflected his growing desire to take more creative control over his music during the early 1970s.
Billy Joe Shaver crafted “Ride Me Down Easy” as a reflective, almost philosophical country song. The lyrics speak of living life with a sense of acceptance and ease—“Ride me down easy, Lord, ride me on down”—while acknowledging the ups and downs of a wandering existence. Shaver’s writing combined spiritual undertones with the imagery of a cowboy or drifter making peace with his journey, creating a song that felt both personal and universal.
Bare delivered the performance with the relaxed authority that made him such an effective interpreter of narrative material. His deep, conversational voice brought warmth and quiet dignity to the song’s themes of resilience and surrender. The arrangement supported the reflective mood without overpowering Bare’s natural phrasing, allowing the strength of Shaver’s writing and Bare’s sincere delivery to shine through clearly.
The single’s strong showing on the country charts came as Bare was enjoying renewed success after switching labels and embracing more artistic freedom. *Ride Me Down Easy* was notable not only for its musical content but also because Bare produced the album himself—an uncommon move at the time that helped pave the way for greater artist involvement in Nashville productions. The project demonstrated his growing confidence as both performer and creative force.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its honest, lived-in perspective. Shaver’s lyrics captured a particular brand of country wisdom—acknowledging life’s hardships while choosing to ride through them with grace. Bare’s warm interpretation made the message feel approachable and genuine, turning what could have been a somber reflection into something quietly uplifting and deeply human.
Decades later “Ride Me Down Easy” remains a beloved track in Bobby Bare’s catalog. It frequently appears on compilations and continues to be appreciated by fans who value thoughtful, well-crafted country storytelling. The recording stands as a fine example of Bare’s ability to bring depth and sincerity to material that balanced reflection with resilience.
More than fifty years after its release, the song continues to resonate as one of the highlights of Bare’s fruitful collaboration with Billy Joe Shaver. It captures a moment when Bare was confidently stepping into greater creative control while championing strong songwriting that spoke to the heart of the country music tradition.
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Lyric
The highway, she’s a hotter than nine kinds of hell
The rides, they’re as scarce as the rain
When you’re down to your last shuck with nothing to sell
And too far away from the train
Been a good month of Sundays and a guitar ago
Had a tall drink of yesterday’s wine
Left a long string of friends, some sheets in the wind
And some satisfied women behind
Ride me down easy, Lord, ride me on down
Leave word in the dust where I lay
Say, “I’m easy come, easy go
And easy to love when I stay”
Less snow on the mountain, raised hell on the hill
I locked horns with the devil himself
Been a rodeo bum, a son of a gun
And a hobo with stars in his crown
He’ll ride me down easy, Lord, ride me on down
Leave word in the dust where I lay
Say, “I’m easy come, easy go
And easy to love when I stay”
He’ll ride me down easy, Lord, ride me on down
Leave word in the dust where I lay
Say, “I’m easy come, easy go
And easy to love when I stay”
He’ll ride me down easy, Lord, ride me on down
Leave word in the dust where I lay
Say, “I’m easy come, easy go
And easy to love when I stay”
Say, “I’m easy come, easy go
And easy to love when I stay”