Introduction:
Released in 1990 from Alan Jackson’s third studio album “Here In The Real World”,Short Sweet Ride is a classic country song that quickly became a fan favorite and a defining moment in Jackson’s career. The song showcases Jackson’s signature storytelling ability and his ability to capture the essence of small-town life and the simple joys of love.
Penned by Jackson himself along with Keith Stegall and Roger Murrah, Short Sweet Ride paints a vivid picture of a carefree summer romance. The lyrics evoke nostalgia and a sense of longing for simpler times, as Jackson sings about cruising down the highway with his sweetheart, enjoying the freedom and the fleeting beauty of young love.
The song’s production is characteristic of 1990s country, featuring a warm, acoustic guitar sound, subtle steel guitar riffs, and Jackson’s smooth, soulful vocals. The arrangement is stripped-down and uncluttered, allowing Jackson’s storytelling to take center stage.
Short Sweet Ride quickly resonated with audiences and critics alike, and it became a massive commercial success. The song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned Jackson a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and solidified his status as one of country music’s leading stars.
Short Sweet Ride has since become a country music standard, and it continues to be played on radio stations and covered by other artists. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Jackson’s songwriting prowess and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Short Sweet Ride”
I could see it coming from a mile away,
A heartache looking for a place to stay.
But I couldn’t resist her and I couldn’t be cool,
The Lord made a woman to make a man a fool.It’s an age old story but it still holds true,
There ain’t no ending to what a man won’t do.
He’ll loves some woman till he goes insane,
It’s a short sweet ride on a runaway train.I was drunk and crazy by her sweet perfume,
But I knew stone sober I was being used.
Now, the heartache lingers like a cheap cologne,
She took all she wanted and she was gone.Well, It’s an age old story but it still holds true,
There ain’t no ending to what a man won’t do.
He’ll loves some woman till he goes insane,
It’s a short sweet ride on a runaway train.It was almost worth it for the time we spent,
‘Cause there ain’t no future in a heart for rent.
Still she taught me something ’bout the facts of life,
That love cuts quicker than a switch- blade knife.It’s an age old story but it still holds true,
There ain’t no ending to what a man won’t do.
He’ll loves some woman till he goes insane,
It’s a short sweet ride on a runaway train.It’s an age old story but it still holds true,
There ain’t no ending to what a man won’t do.
He’ll loves some woman till he goes insane,
It’s a short sweet ride on a runaway train.A short sweet ride on a runaway train…