Ride cowboy ride
Through the back door to heaven
To the other side
I wanna know the danger of a kiss
At midnight
Ride, cowboy, ride
Yeah, I learn my lesson
Here’s a story to tell
So I made my confession
In this sleazy motel
I could be the romantic
I could try my best lines
But ain’t got the money
And we ain’t got the time
Ride, cowboy, ride
Through the back door to heaven to the other side
I wanna know the danger of a kiss
At midnight
Ride cowboy ride
So you want to be a cowboy
Ride cowboy, ride
You want to be a big shot
Baby, come on
Ride, ride, ride
Interpreting the Spirit of “Ride Cowboy Ride”
“Ride Cowboy Ride” by Bon Jovi captures the restless spirit of adventure and rebellion. The lyrics evoke the image of a lone cowboy navigating life’s uncertainties, chasing thrill and freedom through the metaphorical back door to heaven. The song hints at the allure of danger—a midnight kiss, a fleeting romance, and the rough edges of a life lived outside the ordinary. It reflects the cowboy’s desire for escape, love, and the pursuit of dreams, even when resources run thin. The narrative unfolds in a gritty motel room, underscoring the tension between longing for romance and the realities of a fast-paced, transient lifestyle.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Jovi
- Songwriters: Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora
- Release Year: 1988
- Label: Mercury Records