I wrote "Along For The Ride" after seeing a homeless man emerge from a group of shrubs at an intersection in Wilmington, NC. I started wondering what the circumstances were that put him in this situation. The song addresses homelessness, but more importantly, the need to be empathetic towards those who are struggling - not judgmental. How do we know what's going on in a person's life? In this song, the character was successful in his former life, but stress and other circumstances have contributed to his current state.
Lyrics
I live in a bush at the corner of Ogden and Main
There’s a fast food restaurant, bus stop, and grocery chain
And the hours pass slowly, but time seems to fly
In the median in the rain with a cardboard sign
Through the kindness of strangers by God I’ll survive
I have a son and a daughter and grandchildren I’ve never seen
I had a house and a wife who’s embarrassed to talk about me
But high expectations about drove me insane
I woke up every morning and my nerves were in flames
I’m a traveler now, a refugee from all of life’s pains
(Chorus)
And the world will still turn
Regardless if I’m doing well
And the sun will still come up tomorrow
If I’m not around
They said I was special
And honestly I really tried
So I’m holding on tight
And instead I’m along for the ride
Thanks and God bless you, please give. Does anyone care?
It’s the price of admission to heaven; I’ll follow you there
Tomorrow’s uncertain and yesterday’s gone
I live in the moment for right or for wrong
PLEASE don’t judge me too harshly; I’m getting along
(Chorus)
And the world will still turn
Regardless if I’m doing well
And if I die in my sleep will it matter
If I’m not around
They say everyone’s special
But honestly I think they lied
So I’m holding on tight
I guess I’m along for the ride
I’m along for the ride
I’m along for the ride
I’m along for the ride