Great message in this song.  Great lyric creates promise, then the music and performance delivers on the promise.

Riding through dust with the saddle worn thin,
Chasing the night where the shadows begin.
Cattle low softly, the coyotes cry,
Stars mark the trail through a moonlit sky.

Hat pulled down as the cold winds moan,
Ghosts of the prairie won’t leave me alone.
The weight of the past in my leathered reins,
Searching for peace in the endless plains.

I’m taking the long way home,
Through rivers wild and canyons unknown.
Every mile sings like a prayer I’ve sown,
I’m taking the long way home.

Echoes of gunfire still ring in my ears,
Old debts unpaid and the trail lined with fears.
Whiskey can’t wash all the sins from my soul,
But I keep on riding—this heart won’t fold.

I’m taking the long way home,
Through rivers wild and canyons unknown.
Every mile sings like a prayer I’ve sown,
I’m taking the long way home.

Thunder rolls low as the storm draws near,
The wind hums songs only cowboys hear.
Through dust and fire, I’ll ride alone,
But I’ll never quit till I’m home.

I’m taking the long way home,
Through rivers wild and canyons unknown.
Every mile sings like a prayer I’ve sown,
I’m taking the long way home.

The long way home
It’s where I belong.

The Long Way Home

Good, Better, Best

Old Whiskey Road

How I Like My Women

There comes a time in life where you have to make a decision. Welcome to the Crossroads. 

Crossroads (REMIX)

So much trouble

Whispers

Barefoot Dancin' by Myrtle Beach Moonshine

The dishes are drying, TV’s gone quiet,
The moon’s laying silver across our old floor.
Your hair’s like a river spilling soft in the lamplight,
I swear I’ve never loved you more.

No candles or diamonds, no sparkle, no shine,
Just the hum of the night and your arms in mine.

Barefoot dancing in the hallway, 
Love songs that never refrain,
Harmonies and melodies always,
No, I'll never complain,
Cause forever we remain...

The world's heavy when daylight surrounds us,
But right now it’s just you and the sound of our breath.
Your laughter’s a melody sweeter than any chorus,
It’s the hymn I’ll hold onto 'til death.

We don’t need the stars when you shine this bright,
Every shadow turns golden in your arms tonight.

Barefoot dancing in the kitchen,
Spices singing in the rain,
Hints of culinary mission
Sink-side fiddlers sustain,
And for always we remain...

La la la la, la la la la la la,
La la la la la laaa,

Maybe years from now we’ll look back and remember,
This quiet time, these walls, this floor.
I’ll still be reaching for you in December,
Asking for your hand for one dance more.

La la la la, la la la la la la,
La la la la la laaa,

Barefoot dancing in forever,
Music ends but we sustain,
Two hearts promising forever,
No one seems to complain.
And for always we remain...


Written by Dave Solomon
Copyright 2025 Moonstruck Music Group.  All rights reserved.

Barefoot Dancin'

In the “Waiting.”

Moving Forward Without You

(Wherever You Are Tonight)

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

Good, Better, Best

Stephen Ryder

Recent comments

HardTwistMusicSongwriter

Stephen Ryder

Related tracks