Runnin’ on Dust and Grace” is a haunting outlaw country ballad by Stephen Ryder that tells the story of a man haunted by past mistakes, lost love, and a son he never got to raise. With gritty vocals, raw acoustic textures, and a mournful harmonica weaving through the track, this song rides the line between redemption and regret. It’s not a plea for mercy—it’s a confession whispered into the wind. For fans of Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, and Southern Gothic Americana.

Dust and Grace

David Lee Murphy - Dust On The Bottle

What You Leave
Lyrics By: Thomas W. Peterson AKA RedHeart 
©COPYRIGHT 11–19-2025 All Rights Reserved ©

Verse 1: I've been counting up my blessings, got a good life I suppose Nice truck in the driveway, roof over my head, decent clothes Bank account ain't overflowing, but I get by just fine But lately I've been thinking 'bout what I'm leaving behind When they lower me down in that cold, dark ground When they're standing around talking about my life Will they say I took or that I gave? Man, that keeps me up at night

Chorus: 'Cause it ain't about what you get, brother It's about what you leave It ain't the money in your pocket Or the things that you achieve It's the lives that you've touched The hands that you've helped along the way When you're standing at the gates It ain't what you took, it's what you gave Yeah, it's all about what you leave

Verse 2: My daddy worked his fingers to the bone for forty years Never made a fortune, never got the glory or the cheers But he taught me how to be a man, taught me wrong from right Taught me that your word's your bond and you stand up for the fight He left me something money couldn't buy A legacy of love and honor and pride Now I'm trying to pass that down To my boys before I die

Chorus: 'Cause it ain't about what you get, brother It's about what you leave It ain't the money in your pocket Or the things that you achieve It's the lives that you've touched The hands that you've helped along the way When you're standing at the gates It ain't what you took, it's what you gave Yeah, it's all about what you leave

Bridge: You can't take it with you when you go That mansion gonna crumble, fancy car gonna rust Six feet under, we're all the same Brother, we all return to dust But love lives on forever Kindness echoes through the years The good you do keeps breathing Long after you disappear

Final Chorus: So it ain't about what you get, brother It's about what you leave It ain't the trophies on your mantle Or how much fame you achieve It's the love that you shared The burdens that you helped somebody carry When they're reading your name on that stone The question is: what's your legacy? Yeah, it's all about what you leave Lord, it's all about what you leave

Outro: So I'm living every day now Trying to give more than I take 'Cause when I'm gone, I wanna know I left this world a better place It's all about what you leave



Legacy 11-19-25

Keep On Living

A pretty woman turned to me
And she said darling do you gamble?
Would you place a bet on me
and take a chance on someone you can’t handle?

She said maybe I could break your heart
Or maybe bring you to your knees
It would be so easy you know
Almost like a desert breeze.

Would you be willing to take a chance
After just one dance, would you, could you?
Would you be willing to make one bet
That I could use my charms to seduce you?

I turned and said that in my book, 
You dear are nothing, nothing but trouble.
She smiled and said that maybe so
But what if I met your bet and made it double?

Would you still take a chance on romance
Would you dance the night away?
Would you later tell me darling
I’m sorry but there’s no way I can stay?

I said, you see there’s someone back at home
Someone so dear to my heart
That to do what you are proposing
Doesn’t have a chance in hell to start.

As I said, as I turned to walk away,
in my book you are nothing but trouble.
Even if I considered taking a chance on you
The price would be far more than double.

You see when you break someone’s heart
after you do something like a fool
You have to face the next morning 
With your body floating in the hotel pool.
©2025 wr heustis

Darling Do You Gamble

Luke Kaufman  B.R.S.O.B

Live at Billy Bob's Texas

Prop Me Up Beside The JukeBox

Unplugged at Studio 330

In Color (CMT 330 Sessions)

I'm Not the Devil

No Words

Tribute to the Grand Ole Opry - Vol. 3

Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On (Rerecorded)

Palo Duro

Texas Rain

Stephen Ryder is a country artist with a storyteller’s heart, weaving real-life experiences into heartfelt, powerful songs. His music blends traditional country with modern influences, creating songs that speak to love, life, and the journey in between. 

With a growing catalog of music, Stephen continues to share songs that resonate with listeners, whether it’s a heartfelt ballad, a foot-stomping anthem, or a reflective tune about life’s unexpected roads. His dedication to authenticity and storytelling makes his music a perfect fit for country radio and beyond. Follow me on Spotify!  

https://open.spotify.com/artist/60jKjrPsJ9Z43m0qF60S74?si=ayZTWLy5T5udCZ1y1hhYlA