Tonight We Ride
Tom Russell · Indians Cowboys Horses Dogs [2004]
The people of Columbus still hear him riding through their dreams
He killed seventeen civilians you could hear the women scream
Blackjack Pershing on a dancing horse was waiting in the wings
Tonight we ride, tonight we ride
We'll skin ole Pancho Villa, make chaps out of his hide
Shoot his horse, Siete Leguas, and his twenty-seven brides
Tonight we ride, tonight we ride
We rode for three long years till Blackjack Pershing called it quits
When Jackie wasn't lookin' I stole his fine spade bit
It was tied upon his stallion, so I rode away on it
To the wild Chihuahuan desert, so dry you couldn't spit
Tonight we ride, you bastards dare
We'll kill the wild Apache for the bounty on his hair
Then we'll ride into Durango, climb up the whorehouse stairs
Tonight we ride, Tonight we ride
[solo]
When I'm too damn old to sit a horse, I'll steal the warden's car
Break my ass out of this prison, leave my teeth there in a jar
You don't need no teeth for kissin' gals or smokin' cheap cigars
I'll sleep with one eye open, 'neath God's celestial stars
Tonight we rock, Tonight we roll
We'll rob the Juarez liquor store for the Reposado Gold
And if we drink ourselves to death, ain't that the cowboy way to go?
Tonight we ride, tonight we ride
Tonight we fly, we're headin' west
Toward the mountains and the ocean where the eagle makes his nest
If our bones bleach on the desert, we'll consider we are blessed
Tonight we ride, Tonight we ride
[solo]
...Tonight we ride, tonight we ride.
About Tonight We Ride
Tom Russell's "Tonight We Ride" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery of the bluegrass and folk traditions, blending acoustic instrumentation with a narrative that evokes the spirit of the American West. Recorded for the 2004 album *Indians Cowboys Horses Dogs*, the track exemplifies Russell's ability to weave storytelling with melodic simplicity, characteristic of his work in the early 21st century. The song reflects the rugged individualism and historical themes often explored in his discography, utilizing traditional instrumentation to create an atmosphere of open-road freedom. As a staple of his catalog, the recording captures the essence of his songwriting, which frequently draws upon the imagery of the frontier and the enduring human experience. It remains a significant contribution to the genre, showcasing Russell's continued relevance and skill in crafting evocative, acoustic-driven music that resonates with listeners seeking authentic folk expression.