About the song
Ricky Van Shelton, a country music icon whose voice is as smooth as honey, delivered a breathtaking performance of “Backroads” at the 1993 Farm Aid concert. This live rendition, captured at its peak, showcased the timeless beauty of this soulful ballad.
“Backroads” is more than just a song; it’s a nostalgic journey through the heartland of America. Shelton’s heartfelt vocals paint vivid pictures of simpler times, evoking memories of open fields, summer nights, and the comfort of familiar surroundings. The song’s lyrical depth and Shelton’s emotive delivery make it a classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.
The opening lines, “Well, I’m headed back to the country, where the pace is slow,” immediately set the tone for the song’s reflective narrative. Shelton’s voice, filled with longing and nostalgia, transports listeners to a place where worries fade away and the rhythm of life is more relaxed. The imagery of driving down backroads, leaving the hustle and bustle behind, is both evocative and comforting.
The song’s chorus, “Backroads, where the heart finds peace, where the soul can be released,” encapsulates its central theme. Shelton’s vocals soar as he expresses a yearning for a simpler life, free from the pressures and complexities of modern society. The melody is both soothing and uplifting, creating a sense of tranquility and hope.
The live performance at Farm Aid adds an extra layer of authenticity to “Backroads.” The energy and passion of the crowd, combined with Shelton’s powerful vocals, create a truly unforgettable experience. The song’s message of finding solace in the familiar is particularly poignant in the context of a benefit concert, where the focus is on supporting farmers and rural communities.
In conclusion, “Backroads” is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today. Ricky Van Shelton’s heartfelt performance captures the essence of this soulful ballad, transporting listeners to a simpler time and place. The song’s lyrical depth and Shelton’s emotive vocals make it a classic that will be cherished for generations to come.
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Lyrics
I got the radio blastin’
I got the windows rolled down
And I’m cruisin’ these backroads
On the outskirts of town
And I can feel the wind a-blowin’
Hear the big engines whine
When I’m cruisin’ these backroads
All my troubles are behind
Well, when I woke up this mornin’
Well, I took me a look outside
It was plain to see it was one of those days
Tailor-made for taking a ride
So I went downstairs and cleared my head
With coffee and cigarettes
And when it hit me right there
Then my mind was set
Well, I phoned work and told ’em
They’re going to be a man short today
I got the sunny day blues
There’s only one thing
That’s gonna make them go away
So I went out
And I climbed into my big ol’ Chevrolet
And with a turn of the key and a cloud of dust
I was on my way
I got the radio blastin’
I got the windows rolled down
And I’m cruisin’ these backroads
On the outskirts of town
Well, I can feel the wind a-blowin’
And hear the big engines whine
When I’m cruisin’ these backroads
All my troubles are behind
Well, maybe I did, maybe I didn’t
Go and lose my job today
But you can take my cares
Take my worries
And blow them all away
‘Cause there comes a time in any man’s life
When he’s got to break free
I got four good wheels and an endless road
Stretched out in front of me
I got the radio blastin’
I got the windows rolled down
And I’m cruisin’ these backroads
On the outskirts of town
And I can feel the wind a-blowin’
Hear the big engine whine
When I’m cruisin’ these backroads
All my troubles are behind
I got the radio blastin’
I got the windows rolled down
And I’m cruisin’ these backroads
On the outskirts of town
And I can feel the wind a-blowin’
Hear the big engine whine
When I’m cruisin’ these backroads
All my troubles are behind