Back in the Saddle Again
Gene Autry 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 jimsonweed
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 jimsonweed
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Back In The Saddle Again" by Gene Autry describe the feeling of returning to a familiar and comforting environment. The song evokes the image of the Old West, with references to longhorn cattle, sleeping outside every night, and the only law being "right." It's a place where a friend is a friend, and life is simple and uncomplicated. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the joy and freedom associated with coming back to this way of life. The melody is upbeat and catchy, matching the positive and optimistic tone of the lyrics.


The song became an anthem for the western genre, and it helped cement Gene Autry's status as a singing cowboy. It captures the spirit of the cowboy lifestyle and the feeling of being at home on the range. The lyrics reflect on simpler times, and their repetition serves to reinforce the idea that once a person returns to that simpler time, they never want to leave. The song has continued to be popular over the years, due in part to its catchy melody and upbeat tempo.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm back in the saddle again
I have returned to the lifestyle of a cowboy


Out where a friend is a friend
In a place where true friendship and camaraderie is valued


Where the longhorn cattle feed
Where the cattle roam free and can graze peacefully


On the lowly jimsonweed
A plant that is considered undesirable, but provides nourishment for the cattle nonetheless


Back in the saddle again
Returning to the cowboy lifestyle and responsibilities


Ridin' the range once more
Continuing to patrol the western territories on horseback


Totin' my old .44
Carrying a gun for protection and security


Where you sleep out every night
Living a simple lifestyle, sleeping under the stars without modern amenities


And the only law is right
The cowboy code of honor where doing what is just and right is the only law


Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Expressing joy and excitement of returning to the cowboy lifestyle


Rockin' to and fro
Swaying to the rhythm of horseback riding as a soothing comfort


Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
Continuing to move forward in life in pursuit of one’s own goals


I go my way
Living life on one's own terms




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gene Autry, Ray Whitley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@kt2569

My husband's Uncle Ray Whitley, wrote BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN with Gene Autry. He was also in many cowboy movies with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers.

@matteo2454

Amazing!

@rickthorgerson4726

My grandfather is in heaven now. Passed right at New Years at midnight to heart failure at the age of 91. This was his music that he enjoyed. He played his guitar and loved gene autry. Thank u uncle Ray for the years of happiness that my grandfather enjoyed

@annbush1826

every Saturday we paid 25c to go to a cowboy movie in East Texas.
He also sang “El Rancho Grande”

but Pappy O’Daniel got elected Governor of Texas writing and singing
“Bluebonnets of Texas” to us from a platform on a flatbed trailer.

@ramsiami3277

Woaa cool !!

@g.cheatwood6120

Ray was my uncle Harce Whitleys'
brother. Harce married my father's sister. Ray and his wife would come to my house often sometimes spend the night in the very room in right now. I wish I had been older to really know who he was. I remember him well singing with my mother. I am honored to have known him and called him Uncle Ray

8 More Replies...

@keithmurphy4106

I wish more people remembered Gene Autry and all the old timers like my grandpa who believed in this country and would die for it

@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586

I remember hearing him singing in the barn while my dad milked cows. Will always remember it.

@tomm1109

My daughter did a hip hop dance to a modified version of one of his Christmas songs. It was tastefully done version of Rulolf the Rednosed Reindeer with a drum track added for 10 year olds to dance to. The Trap Remix. I'm here because I wanted to hear more of his angelic voice. His Christmas songs especially are played every year and people just like me wonder "Who is this guy? I need to hear more." I smile trying to imagine what he would think if he heard that. Would he love it or hate it?

@uslines

Gene was always my preferred cowboy actor and singer. Don't forget he was also a fine composer of more traditional country music. I think I saw most of of his movies in a theater (I'm 81). Filmed in breathtaking sepia color. His long running radio program featured this tune as it's theme.

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