About the song
John Prine, a beloved folk singer and songwriter, penned “Saddle in the Rain” as a poignant reflection on loss, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This introspective ballad, released in 1971, became a popular addition to Prine’s live performances and a beloved song among his dedicated fanbase.
With his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, Prine explores the universal themes of grief, memory, and the passage of time. Through emotive vocals and evocative imagery, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences of loss and the ways in which we find meaning and purpose in life.
The opening lines, “I rode a horse into the rain,” set the stage for a song that explores the metaphor of a journey through life’s challenges. Prine describes the loneliness and isolation that can accompany loss, while also expressing a sense of hope and resilience. The song’s refrain, “I’ll ride this saddle in the rain,” conveys a determination to persevere and find meaning even in the face of adversity.
Throughout the song, Prine uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his experiences of loss and grief. He references the “empty house” and the “silent room” that once held the memories of a loved one. The lyrics evoke a sense of sadness and longing, while also highlighting the importance of memory and the ways in which we honor the lives of those we have lost.
“Saddle in the Rain” is more than just a sad song; it is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of hope. Prine’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful performance resonate with listeners of all ages, reminding us of the importance of resilience, memory, and the ways in which we find meaning and purpose in life. This timeless classic continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
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Lyrics
I wish, I hope, I wonder
Where you’re at sometimes
Is your back against the wall?
Or just across the line
Have you been standing in the rain
Reciting nursery rhymes?
Trying to recall
Some long lost kind of peace of mind
Peace of mind
Try spending the night sometime
All alone in a frozen room
Afterneath you’ve lain
Your Saddle in the rain
I dreamed they locked God up
Down in my basement
And he waited there for me
To have this accident
So he could drink my wine
And eat me like a sacrament
And I just stood there like I do
Then I came and went
I came and went
Like a bird in a foreign sky
Couldn’t even say good bye
Or come and share the pain
My Saddle’s in the rain
I saw a friend who doesn’t know
If I’m his friend just yet
His eyes and mouth were widely open
And his jaw was set
Like he’d fell off a cliff
And hadn’t hit the bottom yet
I wish he wouldn’t pull those things on me
Without a net
Without a net
I had him up to the house one time
And we was having a real good time
Then he went and lain
His Saddle in the rain
In a laundromat not too far
From the Alamo
Sits a girl who stole my records
Very long ago
And she wishes, wants and washes
Out those dirty clothes
As she shuts her eyes and dreams
About her one eyed Joe
One eyed Joe
Car parked on a dirty road
Heaven knows the load she pulled
Couldn’t take the strain
A Saddle in the rain