Kweskin released six albums and two greatest hits compilations on Vanguard Records between 1963-1970; Jim Kweskin's America on Reprise Records in 1971; and four albums on Mountain Railroad Records between 1978-87.
Back In The Saddle
Jim Kweskin Lyrics
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I'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again
Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again
I'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again
Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle againI'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again
Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again
I'm back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly gypsum weed
Back in the saddle again
Ridin' the range once more
Totin' my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again
The song "Back In The Saddle" by Jim Kweskin is a classic western tune that evokes the imagery of the rugged life of a cowboy, out on the open range. The lyrics speak of being back in the saddle again, where a friend is a friend, and where the longhorn cattle feed on the lowly gypsum weed. The singer is riding the range once again, carrying an old .44, sleeping out under the stars, and knowing that the only law is what is right.
The song is a celebration of cowboy culture and the independent spirit of those who lived and worked on the range. The phrase "back in the saddle" has come to mean returning to something familiar or comfortable after a period of time away, but in the context of the song, it refers to the physical act of getting back on a horse and returning to the wide-open spaces of the western United States.
Overall, "Back In The Saddle" is a song that celebrates the freedom, independence, and rugged individualism that was a hallmark of the cowboy lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm back in the saddle again
I have returned to my old way of life
Out where a friend is a friend
Where there are no strangers and a friend is always there
Where the longhorn cattle feed
Where the animals graze and roam freely
On the lowly gypsum weed
They feed on grasses that are tough and yet abundant
Ridin' the range once more
I am back to exploring the vast open countryside
Totin' my old .44
I am carrying my trusty firearm with me for protection
Where you sleep out every night
Where you can see the stars and breathe in fresh air
And the only law is right
Where the moral code is simple and clear
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
It's a joyful exclamation that expresses one's excitement
Rockin' to and fro
Moving back and forth rhythmically
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
Another exclamation expressing joy and enthusiasm
I go my way
I am free to live my life as I see fit
Contributed by Lucas L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.