For Richardson, making records requires a delicate balance of soul, rock, and R&B. While growing up the son of a military dad in Virginia Beach, he immersed himself in everything from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to The Eagles and Aerosmith. Along the way - from singing into his trash can at five-years-old to auditioning on Idol at 23 - Richardson built his own style. He sums up the sound best saying, "It's blue-eyed soul, but there's an organic feel to the music. I love to mix the soulful and rock sides."
That mix comes with potent and poignant lyrics that Richardson considers a hallmark of his style. It's easy to hear in the new material, which will comprise his forthcoming solo offering. "The [upcoming] album covers a whole different mesh of times in my life. In the lyrics, I'm honestly exploring all of these situations. Now, I get the chance to blend everything together and put it out there."
Entering the Cash Money Records family, he has come to create and push boundaries by collaborating with a myriad of artists. He exclaims, "Cash Money allow me to spread my wings and do what comes naturally for me. They support everything that I do. It's a breath of fresh air, and I feel like I'm blessed at this moment." www.ChrisRichardsonMusic.com
Wanted Dead Or Alive
Chris Richardson Lyrics
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Everyday it seems we're wasting away
Another place where the faces are so cold
I drive all night just to get back to home
I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted dead or alive
Wanted dead or alive
Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it's not for days
The people I meet always go their separate ways
Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink
The times when you're all alone all you do is think
I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (wanted) dead or alive
Wanted (wanted) dead or alive
Oh and I ride!
I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (wanted) dead or alive
And I walk these streets, a loaded six string on my back
I play for keeps, 'cause I might not make it back
I been everywhere, still I'm standing tall
I've seen a million faces and I've rocked them all
'Cause I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
I'm wanted (wanted) dead or alive
'Cause I'm a cowboy, I got the night on my side
I'm wanted (wanted) dead or alive
And I ride, dead or alive
I still drive, dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
Dead or alive
The lyrics to Chris Richardson's song Wanted Dead or Alive tell the story of a cowboy who lives his life on the edge, always moving from one place to another, and never settling down. He faces loneliness, addiction, and danger but remains a self-reliant and independent figure. The chorus of the song, "I'm wanted dead or alive," suggests that he may be a wanted criminal or outlaw, but it could also be interpreted as a metaphor for his restless and unpredictable way of life.
In the verses, the lyrics describe the challenges the cowboy faces in his life. He speaks of how every day feels the same, and he often wastes his time away. He travels long distances for something that feels like home. The people he meets on his journey come and go in his life, leaving him to feel alone at times. The lyrics also mention his struggles with alcoholism, suggesting that drinking may help him cope during lonely times. He spends his time playing music on his guitar on the streets, showcasing his love for music and talent.
Overall, the lyrics of Wanted Dead or Alive paint a picture of a cowboy who is always on the move, running from something or chasing a dream. He faces adversity but remains determined to live his life according to his own rules.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all the same, only the names will change
Chris is saying that life is repetitive and constantly changing, but fundamentally remains the same.
Everyday it seems we're wasting away
Chris is pointing out that life feels monotonous and unrewarding, like we are wasting our time each day.
Another place where the faces are so cold
Chris feels like he's constantly surrounded by strangers who don't care about him or have any warmth towards him.
I drive all night just to get back to home
Chris is willing to go to great lengths to return to a comforting place, such as his home, after a long day or trip.
I'm a cowboy, on a steel horse I ride
Chris is using a metaphor of a cowboy on a motorcycle to describe how he feels independent and free-spirited.
I'm wanted dead or alive
Chris feels like he's being hunted, or must stay on the move to find a place where he belongs.
Sometimes I sleep, sometimes it's not for days
Chris has an erratic sleep schedule, sometimes not sleeping at all for days on end.
The people I meet always go their separate ways
Chris meets many people, but their relationships tend to be brief and disconnected.
Sometimes you tell the day by the bottle that you drink
Chris sometimes resorts to drinking to deal with the challenges of each day, and measures his time by how much he drinks.
The times when you're all alone all you do is think
Chris reflects on how being alone can be isolating and make one feel the need to constantly over-analyze their thoughts and emotions.
And I walk these streets, a loaded six string on my back
Chris feels a sense of purpose carrying his guitar with him, ready to play whenever the opportunity arises.
I play for keeps, 'cause I might not make it back
Chris is driven to succeed in his music career because he feels that survival may depend on it.
I been everywhere, still I'm standing tall
Chris has traveled extensively, but he has remained resilient through any struggles he has encountered.
I've seen a million faces and I've rocked them all
Chris has performed for countless fans and feels proud for the impact he has had on others through his music.
I got the night on my side
Chris feels most alive and comfortable during the nighttime.
And I ride, dead or alive
Despite the odds, Chris will keep moving forward, with or without the support of others.
I still drive, dead or alive
Chris will do whatever it takes to continue pursuing his passions, even if it means driving for long periods of time without rest.
Dead or alive
Chris reflects on the uncertainty of life, acknowledging that he must keep moving forward no matter what happens.
Contributed by Eliana C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ordinarymen
his performance and stage presence was really good
@KallieRose
I love this version a hell of alot more than the original. Do your thang, Chris. XOXO!!!
@flyersfan023
The first time I ever watch American Idol was this night and coming from a music background I actually know what I'm talking about when I say this guy should not have been voted off!
@friendly76
I think that this was an amazing performance...he definitely should have stayed.
@Xpress2hell
this is how i found out about wanted dead or alive. i admit the original is better but this is really good as well.
@XxmshadowxX
I LOVE Bon Jovi(only reason im seeing this), and i know all the notes and lyrics and structure of their songs. And im telling you, this was the BEST performance from all of them. The rest were actually horrific. i like jordin sparks, but hers seriously wasnt that good.
@ariescandy
I was NOT a fan of his AT ALL. I couldnt wait for him to get voted off. HOWEVER He really did his thang on this song. He made me want to download this song just from how he sang it
@yumakookie
I LOVE HIM ♥♥♥
@YankeesRock4eva
Chris Daughtry is the ONLY person who should sing this song other than Bon Jovi obviously!
@AldoPedroza
He is so fuckin awesome!!