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Patty Griffin — Stay on the Ride
Album: Children Running Through
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 667









Released: 2007
Length: 5:15
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Little old man, little old man staring down the road
Waiting on the bus, he's getting kinda cold
Bus finally gets there, he got nowhere to sit down
And the driver said, "You can stand right here behind me or wait for the next one to come around"
And the old man says, "That's okay, I'll stand
I might look like a little old man to you
But I've been riding this bus for years and years and years
I don't even know where it's going to"
And the driver says, "You don't know where this bus is going to?"
Old man says, "No, I don't, do you?"
Driver says, "You don't know where this bus is going to?"
Old man says, "I just want it to get me through
Hey, I'm staying on the ride, it's gonna take me somewhere
Staying on the ride, it's gonna take me somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere"

The bus is rolling along, outside it's looking kinda strange
The Earth is shaking, the clouds are breaking
Everything is blue where it was gray
A thousand rivers flood over fields of snow
The driver looks back in the mirror for the old man
"Where did he go, where did he go?
Oh, there he is
Hey, old man, old man, old man, you still don't know?"
And the old man says, "No, I don't son, but I'm happy to go"
Hey, "I'm staying on the ride, it's gonna take me somewhere"
Hey, he said, "I'm staying on the ride, it's gonna take me somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere

I was born with no name, knowing nothing, still I don't
Somebody said, 'You need a name, I'm gonna give you a name'
And I said, 'No, you won't,' I said, 'No, you won't'"
Oh, "You can let me off here, son, thank you for the ride"
And the driver said, "This is the middle of nowhere, sir,"
He pulls off to the side
And the old man says, "It might look that way to you, maybe it is"
Old man says, "It might look that way to you, son, maybe it is,"
And he says, "Stay on the ride, it's gonna take you somewhere,"
Hey, hey, he said, "Stay on the ride, it's gonna take you somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere, somewhere
It always takes you somewhere, gonna take you somewhere
It always takes you somewhere, gotta take you somewhere
It always takes you somewhere, gonna take you somewhere
It always takes you somewhere, gonna take you somewhere"
Comments (143)add comment
"Wow. A Rickie Lee Jones song I haven't heard before"
 
Checks RP Now Playing list.
 
"... oops ..."
 Nkoenig wrote:

Glad this is back on the playlist.  Surprised by how so many comments take the lyrics too literally.  As at least some people have recognized, it's a metaphor.


i have learned too appreciate great artists like patty
 fredriley wrote:

{#Clap} I surely do miss you, Cynaera. Always the insightful and heartfelt comment. Irreplaceable. A great loss to the RP community :(



    R.I.P.  Ann
Glad this is back on the playlist.  Surprised by how so many comments take the lyrics too literally.  As at least some people have recognized, it's a metaphor.
I am still puzzled that she chose to do this song. It really goes nowhere and may be my least favorite PG piece. Obviously this is about personal taste, etc., but it still baffles me after numerous listens. It is musically undistinguished, which I do not expect from her. Oh well, can't win em all. 
Quality women, Ms. Griffin and that deep sweet soul Ms. Cynaera... lots of lovin words from both
 Cynaera wrote:
I've just discovered that part of the reason I adore Patty Griffin is she divulges nothing of her vocal range until the time is right - and then she pulls out the stops and knocks listeners to their knees briefly. Long enough for them to wonder if what they just heard was real. And this is totally separate from the way her voice can bring me to tears, even when she's singing a happy song.

I loves me Patty Griffin.
 
{#Clap} I surely do miss you, Cynaera. Always the insightful and heartfelt comment. Irreplaceable. A great loss to the RP community :(
Her forced vocal performance gets so old so fast..def. over this lady
I love this song, and I love it when we move into tracks like this on RP.  {#Yes}
I've just discovered that part of the reason I adore Patty Griffin is she divulges nothing of her vocal range until the time is right - and then she pulls out the stops and knocks listeners to their knees briefly. Long enough for them to wonder if what they just heard was real. And this is totally separate from the way her voice can bring me to tears, even when she's singing a happy song.

I loves me Patty Griffin.
 FlatCat wrote:
Lordy, lordy how I hate this. No rhymes. No tune. Trying to be deep and failing.

Not a very substantive comment, but I had to get that out.
 
Me thinks you do not know what you are saying.

 cc_rider wrote:
I don't think the lyrics are banal at all. You really think it's literally about a bus ride? I've listened to it enough times to think it's about much more than that. But hey, I've been wrong before.
 

Ack, you're probably right. I'm listening while sending out job applications, so I'm sure I didn't give the lyrics enough attention!

 errantpenny wrote:
This, to me, is a weird mix of great vocals, a great blues groove, and utterly banal lyrics. It's like an SNL skit where everyday situations are set to a soundtrack of down and dirty blues: Oh, the printer's out of toner! That's what I said! The printer's out of toner!
  I don't think the lyrics are banal at all. You really think it's literally about a bus ride? I've listened to it enough times to think it's about much more than that. But hey, I've been wrong before.


 cc_rider wrote:
Indeed. Ms. Griffin has more soul, and the talents to express it, than maybe 90% of currently performing artists. The woman can whisper a lullaby, scream in anger, or groove on down the line, as well as anyone ever, ever has.

 

Ditto from me.  She's one of the very best and has a little bit in her of all her predecessors discussed below.
This, to me, is a weird mix of great vocals, a great blues groove, and utterly banal lyrics. It's like an SNL skit where everyday situations are set to a soundtrack of down and dirty blues: Oh, the printer's out of toner! That's what I said! The printer's out of toner!
 vandal wrote:

IMHO, Bonnie Raitt should be compared to Patty Griffin, not the other way around. 

 
Ms. Raitt is markedly older than Ms. Griffin. Bonnie blazed some impressive trails for performers like Patty. Give 'em both credit where it's due.

 akousa wrote:
This woman could sing the contents of a can of soup and it would sound great.
 
I've thought that about Paul Newman—only he'd be reading the phone book. 
 cc_rider wrote:
Indeed. Ms. Griffin has more soul, and the talents to express it, than maybe 90% of currently performing artists. The woman can whisper a lullaby, scream in anger, or groove on down the line, as well as anyone ever, ever has.

 

Yup, she's got it alright.
This woman could sing the contents of a can of soup and it would sound great.
 Toke wrote:
Now this Lady sure has ''SOUL'' I can hear Aretha Franklyn here, song lollops along just like a bus ride. Whatever the guy below me was listening to sure aint whats coming threw on my Rig. Nice one RP :-)
  Indeed. Ms. Griffin has more soul, and the talents to express it, than maybe 90% of currently performing artists. The woman can whisper a lullaby, scream in anger, or groove on down the line, as well as anyone ever, ever has.

it's got a great groove...!

Working on a spreadsheet for hours, I was happy to hear some Bonnie Raitt soulsinging and then I thought.. wait.. something's not right, so I peaked at "Now Playing:" to see it's Patty Griffin.   I'm a bit surprised but I like Patty..  very soulful though I'm not crazy about the song.   Oh well, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream... to each their own...

{#Undecided}

All i know is......... I need a break!!!!!


 jackinthebox wrote:
B-o-r-i-n-g
 
No help for you. I fear.

Lordy, lordy how I hate this. No rhymes. No tune. Trying to be deep and failing.

Not a very substantive comment, but I had to get that out.
Now this Lady sure has ''SOUL'' I can hear Aretha Franklyn here, song lollops along just like a bus ride. Whatever the guy below me was listening to sure aint whats coming threw on my Rig. Nice one RP :-)
S-o  w-r-o-n-g

 
jackinthebox wrote:
B-o-r-i-n-g
 


 DeeCee1109 wrote:
A little bit of Bonnie, with some Aretha thrown in . . .
 
I'm hearing some Patty Griffin in this one.
 
Saw her perform this in So Portland ME. She is awesome. Thanks for the introduction Bill.
B-o-r-i-n-g
 DeeCee1109 wrote:


A little bit of Bonnie, with some Aretha thrown in . . .
 
And I also hear a little Sheryl Crow, too!

EDIT (after backscrolling more) ... Ricky Lee Jones, too? Okay,I get that.



IMHO, Bonnie Raitt should be compared to Patty Griffin, not the other way around. 

 Kornmann wrote:
Agreed!

 
Danimal174 wrote:
Hmmm...I've always thought that "Flaming Red" was her weakest album overall, personally, even though it has some standout tracks. To each his own, I guess.


  To the person who called Flaming Red her weakest album ever.  Why?!  Are you kidding me?  I think 1,000 Kisses is her best but Flaming Red showed that she could rock out and do any style she wanted. 

 
To the person who called Flaming Red her weakest album ever.  Why?!  Are you kidding me?  I think 1,000 Kisses is her best but Flaming Red showed that she could rock out and do any style she wanted. 


 Kornmann wrote:
Agreed!

 
Danimal174 wrote:
Hmmm...I've always thought that "Flaming Red" was her weakest album overall, personally, even though it has some standout tracks. To each his own, I guess.


  To the person who called Flaming Red her weakest album ever.  Why?!  Are you kidding me?  I think 1,000 Kisses is her best but Flaming Red showed that she could rock out and do any style she wanted. 

 


Did she see an actual ghost for this inspiration?  Amazing!
This one doesn't work for me. Almost everything else she does, does.
not sure why...but I just hate this from go. {#Crashcomp}
 hippiechick wrote:
This is one song of hers I don't care for.
 

This one grew on me. When I first bought the album, I didn't care for it much, either, but it's now one of my favorites off the new album.
 nigelr wrote:
Strikes me as channeling Ricky Lee on this number, which is a great thing...........
 

A little bit of Bonnie, with some Aretha thrown in . . .
This is one song of hers I don't care for.


Love the groove on this one.  :slowfunkygroovinbanana:


Hi Patty.

Thank you.

Again.

8
Strikes me as channeling Ricky Lee on this number, which is a great thing...........
Agreed!

 
Danimal174 wrote:

Hmmm...I've always thought that "Flaming Red" was her weakest album overall, personally, even though it has some standout tracks. To each his own, I guess.


 

My daughter and I have so much fun with this song...she taking on the part of the little old man and me the bus driver. Then both of us belting out the chorus at top volume...so much fun!
cc_rider wrote:
Sorry, but 'this is stupid' is a pretty lame opinion. In MY opinion. I thought the same thing the first few times I heard it. It's played a lot here in Austin, so I've listened to enough to start getting it. It's not really linear, and evokes more of a feeling than a coherent thought. But it's basically (to me: my opinion) about, uh, 'staying on the ride' (sorry) no matter what. How many of us here didn't (or don't) know where 'the bus' is going, and have wanted to get off? You've heard the old lament 'Stop the world, I wanna get off'? Well, here ya go. The bus is LIFE, and we've got choices about how we ride it. If there's no place to sit down, the 'driver' (your choice of metaphors here) says 'hey, sit down by me'. Or stand, whatever. You can ride the bus a long time, like he has, and STILL not know where it's going. And eventually you might find the place where you want to get off the bus, and maybe it seems like the middle of nowhere to others, but it's the right place for that particular rider. On the other hand, I could be full of $hit. But Ms. Griffin generally has more depth than to write a song about literally riding the bus. Stay on the Bus Y'all, c.
i thought it was about a good sexual encounter
ChicoCyclist wrote:
I miss the Patty Griffin from the time of Flaming Red. Oooh well, artists have to evolve and many evolutionary changes are NOT beneficial.
Hmmm...I've always thought that "Flaming Red" was her weakest album overall, personally, even though it has some standout tracks. To each his own, I guess.
ChicoCyclist wrote:
I miss the Patty Griffin from the time of Flaming Red. Oooh well, artists have to evolve and many evolutionary changes are NOT beneficial.
True. Sure. Agreed. But then there's the case of Ms. Griffin, who continues to mature like the finest vintage.
It's a decent tune, but at risk of being overplayed.
Shimmer wrote:
Funny. This sounds alot like Rickie Lee Jones to me.
That's not a good thing in my book. RLJ drives me nuts. Patty Griffin is usually great. Not this time however. What a dopey song.
I miss the Patty Griffin from the time of Flaming Red. Oooh well, artists have to evolve and many evolutionary changes are NOT beneficial.
healyf52 wrote:
How does a nice little white girl wind up with such a smokin' funky soul?
had to bump it to 8. What a cool tune
for some reason, i've never heard this song, but instantly like it. off to give apple some money for it right now. thanks bill.
radioparadisehead wrote:
Or, only if I was paying attention and that's my opinion.
Sorry, but 'this is stupid' is a pretty lame opinion. In MY opinion. I thought the same thing the first few times I heard it. It's played a lot here in Austin, so I've listened to enough to start getting it. It's not really linear, and evokes more of a feeling than a coherent thought. But it's basically (to me: my opinion) about, uh, 'staying on the ride' (sorry) no matter what. How many of us here didn't (or don't) know where 'the bus' is going, and have wanted to get off? You've heard the old lament 'Stop the world, I wanna get off'? Well, here ya go. The bus is LIFE, and we've got choices about how we ride it. If there's no place to sit down, the 'driver' (your choice of metaphors here) says 'hey, sit down by me'. Or stand, whatever. You can ride the bus a long time, like he has, and STILL not know where it's going. And eventually you might find the place where you want to get off the bus, and maybe it seems like the middle of nowhere to others, but it's the right place for that particular rider. On the other hand, I could be full of $hit. But Ms. Griffin generally has more depth than to write a song about literally riding the bus. Stay on the Bus Y'all, c.
liser wrote:
nope, paying attention and still rambling nonsense. Meh.
Like plot and chronological pregression are a requirement in music? Re: Beatles.
iamnotabronte wrote:
i hate this song...
Ditto... It was bad the first time and just keeps getting worse. This song is included in that 1% of songs on RP that just suck.
cc_rider wrote:
Only if you're not paying attention. c.
nope, paying attention and still rambling nonsense. Meh.
drucev wrote:
Heard it a million times, still goes nowhere.
It might sound that way to you, son... It always takes you somewhere...
Hey, hey, hey, soooo soulful. Patty has so much to offer. I thank RP for introducing me to this gem of an songstress.
Misterfixit wrote:
Heh ... Once Black, never back!
Funny. This sounds alot like Rickie Lee Jones to me - another very Black white girl.
healyf52 wrote:
How does a nice little white girl wind up with such a smokin' funky soul?
Heh ... Once Black, never back!
sadsack wrote:
Michelle Shocked meets Bill Hicks.
Not familiar enough with Michele Shocked to agree. Personally know Bill's older brother so got interested in Bill's stuff. Unrelentless and raunchy, not really seeing that in Patty either but agree they are both devoted to their personal expression; critics be damned. Jelani wrote:
All her texture is in her pubic hair.
Now this sounds like something Bill would say but he would make it crass enough to actually be funny.
drucev wrote:
Enough already! Heard it a million times, still goes nowhere. Patty rocks, and this rates maybe a 7, but the beautiful thing about RP is being able to leave it on all day and hear variety.I'm getting that feeling I'm listening to a top 40 station and heard the same thing too many times.
Yeah, cause top 40 stations are ALWAYS playing Patty Griffin
ekeyte wrote:
She's supposed to be in Ellsworth, Maine, fairly soon. I'm looking forward to seeing her.
i thought the bus wasn't sure where it was headed?
Enough already! Heard it a million times, still goes nowhere. Patty rocks, and this rates maybe a 7, but the beautiful thing about RP is being able to leave it on all day and hear variety.I'm getting that feeling I'm listening to a top 40 station and heard the same thing too many times.
Since I seem to like most songs on RP more the more I hear them, I'm glad to know there are some songs for which I decrease my rating with each listen.
she's got a little Aretha in that voice
i hate this song...
MrSpaz wrote:
Yeah, agreed. The lyrics bug me, I think; they have the scent of being contrived and of a false depth. "Ooo! The bus doesn't go anywhere...or does it!?"
Well I LIKE it every time I hear it again. So there! And the Old Man Said: Hey Baby, take a ride on THIS bus baby ... there may be snow in the valley but there be a Volcano waiting' there someplace.
FlatCat wrote:
I dislike this more every time I hear it.
Yeah, agreed. The lyrics bug me, I think; they have the scent of being contrived and of a false depth. "Ooo! The bus doesn't go anywhere...or does it!?"
I dislike this more every time I hear it.
cc_rider wrote:
Only if you're not paying attention. c.
Or, only if I was paying attention and that's my opinion.
radioparadisehead wrote:
These lyrics are stupid.
Only if you're not paying attention. c.
sadsack wrote:
Michelle Shocked meets Bill Hicks.
I can hardly imagine a higher compliment. I hope you intended it as such. c.
These lyrics are stupid.
Is it me, or has this been getting a lot more play lately?
She's supposed to be in Ellsworth, Maine, fairly soon. I'm looking forward to seeing her.
I love Patty Griffin- Saw her in an excellent acoustic set in Boston. This song seems a bit contrived to me- like the opening scene to some made for cable movie.
This is easily the best thing I've heard from PG. 9/10
inindian wrote:
A slow burner's a good sign
Agreed...bumping from 8 to 9...leaving room to go to 10 next time.
healyf52 wrote:
With a touch of Lucinda Williams.
How does a nice little white girl wind up with such a smokin' funky soul?
mem_313 wrote:
this is an amazing album, but I do NOT particularly like this song. and I LOVE ms. PG.
I thought so too about this song..but it's been growing' on me
... Well my album arrived since last post Love it! Highly recommended!
Mari wrote:
It's goin' straight to my Post Office Box, that's where! ............ can't wait!
Mine too...can't wait either.
this is an amazing album, but I do NOT particularly like this song. and I LOVE ms. PG.
Lotus_Miata wrote:
I don't know where this song is going to... But I like it!
It's goin' straight to my Post Office Box, that's where! ............ can't wait!
I don't know where this song is going to... But I like it!
rickf wrote:
This song is much better when heard performed live. It loses something in recording. It happens. The on-stage dynamic "made" this song.
I agree
Jelani wrote:
All her texture is in her pubic hair.
"Don't know how many girls you've dated/but you ain't lived 'til you had yer tires rotated/by a red headed woman" She was just in Toronto and was just smokin.
This song is much better when heard performed live. It loses something in recording. It happens. The on-stage dynamic "made" this song.
I like PG a lot, but not this song.
Can never have enough Patty!! This song made me buy the record. Best thing I've heard from Patti since Flaming Red.
I don't like this song.
I got tired of this a long,long time ago. First time that's happened with one of her songs.
Michelle Shocked meets Bill Hicks.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Number 23 in our series "Clues to the gender of the poster (without even have to check their biographcal details)"
Well, seeing as Jelani is a mans name......
I saw her in concert in St. Louis last Friday night. Great show, very good in person. However, this is one of the few songs of hers that I dislike. The music is OK, I just find the lyrics boring and simple.
Shesdifferent wrote:
Hey, wake up. You'll miss your stop.
Good stuff Mainerd.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Number 23 in our series "Clues to the gender of the poster (without even have to check their biographcal details)"
Jelani wrote:
All her texture is in her pubic hair.
Number 23 in our series "Clues to the gender of the poster (without even have to check their biographcal details)"
Looking at the past comments about this song, I have to wonder: do Bill and Rebecca like all the songs they play, or do they grit their teeth and play stuff to please their listeners. I'd love to know how they put their playlists together and whether they work with outside assistance. RP really does it for me...what's the secret sauce?
sharkartist wrote:
I love these textural, edgy women.
All her texture is in her pubic hair.
Waasn't this done by some old blues dude - RL Burnside or something like that? It was so much better. She's stripped all of the character from the song and turned it into a repetetive drone with the cackle of a screech owl laid on top. I know there's a diner somewhere with tables that need waiting on.
I wish I like it as much as everyone else seems to. The past three times I've turned off RP because of a song, it's been this one.
I love these textural, edgy women.
My ears are bleeding!! Soooo horrible!!
I keep trying to leave my desk, and Bill won't let me. Great music this morning!
I'd like it better if it didn't seem to go on and on and on.
It sounds like that song of hers about the guy who is really a dog and is in big trouble.
I think she borrowed the truck from Lucinda! Great tune. I love it.
She's singing in LA Tuesday & I'm there.
jablan wrote:
Bonnie Raitt, anyone?
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
There aren't many songs that make you strain to listen to the lyric, but this certainly made me click on the link to find out the song's meaning... and there was just the lyric! Doh! It sounds like an existential metaphor. Or maybe a bus advert. One or the other.
I had no problem hearin' the lyrics or findin' the lyrics to follow along ... ... ... love patty that might help
More Patty please!
niv wrote:
Pls play her new album - I am considering getting it of amazon.
if you havent yet, GET IT
very cool tune - excellent morning groove
There aren't many songs that make you strain to listen to the lyric, but this certainly made me click on the link to find out the song's meaning... and there was just the lyric! Doh! It sounds like an existential metaphor. Or maybe a bus advert. One or the other.