Cowboy On
M. Shelton

[Verse 1]
I met a man, who once held the world in his hands
he gambled it all, guess it wasn’t enough
When I asked him, how’d you come back from that?
Under his hat, I saw his eyes close shut
He said…

[CHORUS] 
You gotta ride on, ride on, 
Saddle up and ride on,
cowboy on

[Verse 2]
Every sunrise, there’s a new trail to ride
every trail, takes you somewhere else
That don’t mean you turn tail and hide
Only one that’s gonna help you is yourself
He said…

[CHORUS] 
You gotta ride on, ride on, 
Saddle up and ride on,
cowboy on

[Instrumental]

[Verse 3]
As he tossed away his last cigarette
He told me something I’ll never forget
Cowboys don’t flinch and they don’t quit 
They just get back up and get on with it
He said…

[CHORUS] 
You gotta ride on, ride on, 
Saddle up and ride on, ride on
You gotta ride on, ride on, 
Saddle up and ride on, 
cowboy on


COWBOY ON

MY GRANDFATHER’S ARMS
Words & Music by Rhob Elliott
©1998, 2025 Awful Racket Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved

[Verse 1]
He smelled like old leather and sawdust and time
Wore flannel like armor and boots full of pride
With a voice like gravel and hands that could heal
He taught me what’s true and he showed me what’s real

[Pre-Chorus]
When the world felt too big, and I felt too small
He’d lift me up, like I’d never fall

[Chorus]
In my grandfather’s arms, the world made sense
I was safe in a storm, behind his defense
He didn’t say much, but his silence was kind
And I found more love than words could define
Now he’s gone, but somehow I’m calm
‘Cause I still feel home in my grandfather’s arms

[Verse 2]
He’d sit on the porch with his coffee and chair
Tell stories so simple, but they hung in the air
He didn’t chase money, never needed the fame
Said, “A good life is built on your word and your name”

[Pre-Chorus]
He’d hand me his coat when the cold settled in
And I swear, just like that, I’d feel whole again

[Chorus]
In my grandfather’s arms, the fear disappeared
Like the world slowed down when he pulled me near
He’d hum some old tune from a time long gone
But the feeling it gave me still lingers on
He’s a whisper now, not flesh and bone
But I still stand tall from my grandfather’s arms

[Bridge]
I carry his watch, and I wear his name
I’ve got his fire, running through my veins
And when I’m tired, or when life feels too hard
I remember the strength in his steady heart

[Chorus]
In my grandfather’s arms, I first learned to believe
In the quiet kind of love that never leaves
And when I hold my child and they look up at me
I hope they feel what he gave to me
He’s with me still, in soul and in calm
Yeah, I still live in my grandfather’s arms

[Outro]
He may be gone, but I know this much is true
His arms still guide me in all that I do
In my grandfather's arms



MY GRANDFATHER'S ARMS

MY GRANDFATHER’S ARMS

A track about my sons and I not speaking for years and how I wish it could be different and that I wish there was a Use By date on forgiveness.

Use By Date

A track about how I have gone from homeless and sleeping in the backseat of my car to where I am today.

Where I Am Now

More Than I Knew


[Verse 1]
Boy, I warned you once, I warned you twice
Don’t start a fire if you can’t pay the price
You threw them words like a sharpened blade
Cut her deep, and the debt got made

She’s my blood, my only girl
You turned her sweet into a bitter world
Now there’s a road and it runs one way
And I’m standin’ where the shadows lay

[Chorus]
I’ll deliver you to the ferryman
Place the silver in your hand
Push that boat out on the tide
And watch you take that lonesome ride
Where you’re headed, boy, I don’t care
That’s between you and the One up there
But I’ll deliver you… to the ferryman

[Verse 2]
Some debts get paid in flesh and bone
Some bridges burn till you’re all alone
You plowed the field where the reaper waits
And I’m the man guardin’ the gates

Don’t beg for mercy, that time’s gone by
You made your bed and you told your lie
Now I’m the shadow on the shore
Who won’t be followin’ you no more

[Chorus]
I’ll deliver you to the ferryman
Place the silver in your hand
Push that boat out on the tide
And watch you take that lonesome ride
Where you’re headed, boy, I don’t care
That’s between you and the One up there
But I’ll deliver you… to the ferryman

[Bridge]
That old boat don’t turn around
Once it leaves, it can’t be found
And I’ll be smilin’, cold and true
Knowin’ you got what was due

[Final Chorus/Outro]
I’ll deliver you to the ferryman
Place the silver in your hand
Push that boat out on the tide
Hear the oar cut through the night
Where you’re headed, boy, I don’t care
That’s between you and the One up there
But I’ll deliver you… to the ferryman

Ferryman

Inspired by a lesson from my father, this song is a reminder that every side believes they’re the “good guys.” Both Sides Believe invites listeners to look deeper, listen longer, and keep an open mind, because the first story you hear is rarely the whole truth.

[Verse 1]
I was just a kid with questions
’Bout the battles we had fought
Said, “Dad, were we right to fight those wars
That’s what history taught
He looked at me for a long, quiet time
Like he’d carried this truth for years
Said, “Son, both sides believe they’re right 
That’s why the world still bleeds its tears

[Chorus]
Truth wears more than one face
The first tale may only show one view
A wise soul waits before it draws a line
Listens for the voices history hides
’Cause both sides believe
Yeah, both sides believe they’re the good guys

[Verse 2]
Sometimes the truth gets tangled
In the ties we choose to keep
We lean toward the voices
That sing the song we seek
The telling often changes
When the teller has a stake
And flags can find their footing
Where roots don't run too deep

[Chorus]
Truth wears more than one face
The first tale may only show one view
A wise soul waits before it draws a line
Listens for the voices history hides
’Cause both sides believe
Yeah, both sides believe they’re the good guys

[Bridge]
If you look deep enough
You’ll find a child on every side
A mother praying through the night
A father’s quiet pride
We all hold tight to stories
That we’re certain must be true 
But sometimes truth is bigger
Than the frame we’re looking through

[Final Chorus]
Truth wears more than one face
The first tale may only show one view
So dig down deep before you cast that stone
Ask what you don’t know before your mind’s been sold
’Cause both sides believe
Yeah, both sides believe
They’re the good guys

[Outro]
Both sides believe
Both sides believe
They’re the good guys

Both Sides Believe

If You Dance With Me

Eastern Sky

I Don’t Know

My New Album Delta Dusk & Soul will be releases on a streaming platforms November 6th. This is a sneak preview for SoundCloud only. Let me know what is your most memorable song!

Riders in Love

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