Guitar at age seven, banjo at thirteen, pedal steel at sixteen - the young Dodd's hands nearly always gripped a stringed instrument. His father, a master electrician, perfected his skills with quality and high standards that were instilled in Dodd as a young man. As a teen, he was a laborer for a brick mason, a job which built a strong back as well as character. While attending college in Lubbock and Waco, Dodd spent much time honing his musical chops on the side, as the music became his vocation. Cutting his teeth in local honky tonks as a musician and vocalist, Deryl soon became the front man for a Waco band. His enthusiasm and natural connection with the audience regularly drew crowds of up to a thousand.
Moving to Nashville in 1991 accelerated Dodd's pace. Quickly hired as a lead guitarist and high harmony singer for Martina McBride, Deryl found himself rocketed from smoky clubs to giant stadiums when McBride opened for Garth Brooks (little did he know that in the near future, he himself would be opening for Brooks). As he refined his skills on the six-string, he also kept busy songwriting, working with the likes of John Hiatt, Kevin Welch and Radney Foster. Next came a 1993 publishing deal with BMG Music resulting in other artists recording his songs, including rewarding cuts on two of Tim McGraw's multi-platinum albums. In 1994, Deryl joined up with Tracy Lawrence's band to play rhythm guitar and harmony vocals. He was becoming well sought after by many artists, especially now finding himself in the studio recording background vocals with the likes of McBride, Lawrence and Foster. However, Dodd had plans to make his own music, and did.
In 1995, he landed a recording contract with Columbia Records. The 1996 release of his first album, "One Ride in Vegas," which spawned the hit single "That's How I Got to Memphis," written by legendary storyteller Tom T. Hall, brought critical acclaim, national tours, and the applause of newfound fans. A serious contender had arrived. Comprised of up-tempo rockers, gorgeous ballads, bluesy shuffles and stories in song, the 1998 follow up album, "Deryl Dodd," built on the strengths of the native Texan's debut. Critics from trade publications to "USA Today" hailed the newcomer a fresh voice straight out of traditional country. "They called me a throwback," Deryl says, "and I'd joke that it meant they could throw me back if they didnt like me. But I am country, it's how I walk and talk. When I go back to my family's farm in Comanche, Texas, I know that's where my soul feels at home."
Tragically in February 1999, after a grueling schedule promoting the successful single "A Bitter End," Deryl developed viral encephalitis, a life-threatening illness which attacks the central nervous system. Following six months of frustrating immobility, Deryl spent another year and a half rehabilitating in his struggle to return to his life and his music.
What began as a devastating experience has given the singer/songwriter a new appreciation for the blessings each day has to offer. After a long recovery he is gratefully on the road and touring again with his band the Homesick Cowboys - his first invitation being the opening slot for the explosive Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Soul 2 Soul tour. Back in the studio in 2001 for his third album, Deryl moved from Columbia records to Sony's independent label Lucky Dog, where he had more creative freedom. He received much criticism from the industry, fearing it would appear as a demotion. But making his music is all he has ever been about, regardless of the perception. The 2002 release of "Pearl Snaps" was again critically acclaimed as his first two singles, "Pearl Snaps" and "Honky Tonk Champagne," reached the 1 spot on the Texas music chart.
One Ride In Vegas
Deryl Dodd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seventeen, headin' out on his own
He'll rodeo from Cheyenne to Texas
Dreamin' of one ride in Vegas
One ride in Vegas
Lonely nights in rundown motel rooms
Achin' bone from yesterday's ride
But he's holdin' on for one ride in Vegas
One ride in Vegas
He's riskin' it all, driven by a hunger
That never will let him give up
And with a fire in his eyes, he dances with thunder
Till one day his day finally comes
His heart beats fast with anticipation
And brighter lights than the kid has ever seen before
He's waited his whole life for the next eight seconds
And he'd do it all again for one ride in Vegas
This one ride in Vegas
He's an old man now, four times world champion
A modern day legend and every cowboy knows his name
He's all settled down on his ranch down in Texas
But he'd trade it all today for one ride in Vegas
One more ride in Vegas
The song "One Ride in Vegas" by Deryl Dodd is about a young man who leaves home at the age of seventeen to pursue his dream of being a rodeo cowboy. He travels from Cheyenne to Texas, experiencing lonely nights in rundown motel rooms and aching bones from yesterday's ride. His ultimate goal is to ride in the rodeo in Las Vegas. He is driven by a hunger, which never lets him give up, and he takes on risks that could cost him everything.
The young cowboy's heart beats fast with anticipation as he finally gets a chance to participate in the rodeo in Las Vegas, where he lays his eyes upon brighter lights than he has ever seen before. The young man's ultimate aim is to ride for eight seconds, which would be the highlight of his life. The wait is finally over, and he now has a chance to prove himself. The experience was so intense that he would happily do it all again.
The song describes the young cowboy's rise to fame, how he eventually settles down on his ranch in Texas, and although he's won four world championships, he would still trade it all for one more ride in Vegas. The primary message of the song is to never quit and to keep pursuing one's dreams. The young cowboy's determination and perseverance paid out, and he ultimately succeeded in achieving his goal.
Line by Line Meaning
He's packed up his boots and his saddle
He's left his old life behind and is ready for adventure.
Seventeen, headin' out on his own
He's young and taking his first steps into the world alone.
He'll rodeo from Cheyenne to Texas
He'll travel far and wide to compete in rodeos.
Dreamin' of one ride in Vegas
He has high aspirations and hopes for a big win in Las Vegas.
Lonely nights in rundown motel rooms
He spends most of his time on the road and often feels isolated in low-quality accommodations.
Achin' bone from yesterday's ride
After a long day's work, he's in physical pain and exhausted.
It's takin' more than he thought he could give it
The work is harder than he expected, and he's struggling to keep up with the strenuous lifestyle.
But he's holdin' on for one ride in Vegas
Despite the difficulties, he's determined to keep going until he gets his chance in Las Vegas.
He's riskin' it all, driven by a hunger
He's putting everything on the line for a chance at success, because he's deeply motivated to win.
That never will let him give up
No matter how many hurdles he faces, he has a drive that won't allow him to quit.
And with a fire in his eyes, he dances with thunder
He's full of energy and passion, and riding a bucking horse feels like dancing in a storm.
Till one day his day finally comes
After years of hard work, he finally gets his chance to compete in Las Vegas.
His heart beats fast with anticipation
He's nervous but excited for this opportunity.
And brighter lights than the kid has ever seen before
He's in awe of the bright lights and grandeur of the Las Vegas rodeo.
He's waited his whole life for the next eight seconds
This one ride has been his biggest dream, and he's been waiting for it his entire life.
And he'd do it all again for one ride in Vegas
The experience was so exciting and fulfilling, that he'd do everything over just for the opportunity to compete in Las Vegas again.
He's an old man now, four times world champion
He's achieved great success over the years, and is widely respected as a champion of his sport.
A modern day legend and every cowboy knows his name
He's earned a reputation as one of the best of the best in professional rodeo competitions.
He's all settled down on his ranch down in Texas
He's retired from competing and now lives a quiet life on his Texas ranch.
But he'd trade it all today for one ride in Vegas
Despite his comfortable life, he still yearns for the excitement and adrenaline rush of competing in Las Vegas one last time.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, TRAVELLERS HOLLOW MUSIC
Written by: BRETT BEAVERS, DERYL DWAINE DODD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind