Foster began his solo career in 1992 when he signed to Arista Records, Although his first release for the label (1992's Del Rio, TX 1959) produced four consecutive Top 40 hits, Foster saw his commercial success waning with the release of his second and third albums (1995's Labor of Love and 1999's See What You Want to See, respectively), and by 1999 he had exited Arista's roster. He then signed to the independent Dualtone Records label, for which he has recorded three more albums to date: 2001's Are You Ready for the Big Show?, 2002's Another Way to Go and 2006's This World We Live In. During this time Foster's recording successes included the Top Ten US hits "Just Call Me Lonesome" (#10, 1992) and "Nobody Wins" (#2, 1993). In addition, he wrote singles for Sara Evans, Keith Urban and Jack Ingram.
In September 2009 Foster released the album Revival under the band name "Radney Foster and the Confessions" and a feature length DVD documentary on the making of the album. The 90-minute film was co-produced by Foster and his wife. Keith Urban recorded Foster's song "I'm In" for his 2009 album Defying Gravity and it became a No. 2 single.
In December 2010, Foster rejoined the Foster & Lloyd duo and they released the album "It's Already Tomorrow" in 2011.
Godspeed
Radney Foster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, sweet dreams
The rockets racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight Moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you
Chorus: Goodspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed,sweet dreams
God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears"amen"wherever we are
And I love you
Chorus: Goodspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, Godspeed, Godspeed, Sweet dreams.
(Random "ahh's" until end)
The song "Godspeed" by Radney Foster is a heartfelt lullaby filled with imagery of childhood fairy tales and bedtime rituals. The opening lines "Dragon tales and the water is wide, Pirate's sail and lost boys fly, Fish bite moonbeams every night" set the tone for a dreamlike atmosphere where anything is possible. The mention of dragons, pirates and lost boys evoke images of adventure and imagination, while the fish biting moonbeams is a fanciful way to describe the magical.
The chorus of "Godspeed, little man, Sweet dreams little man, Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings, Godspeed, sweet dreams" is a promise of love and comfort to a child, wishing them a restful night's sleep. The use of "Godspeed" is a way of saying "have a good journey," which implies that the child is about to embark on a journey into the magical world of dreams.
The second verse continues with the bedtime theme, referencing popular children's books and characters such as the Rocket Racer, Superman, and Goodnight Moon. The final lines "And I love you" bring the song back to the central message of love and security that is being conveyed throughout the song.
Overall, "Godspeed" is a touching and nostalgic song that speaks to the universal desire to protect and comfort those we love, especially children.
Line by Line Meaning
Dragon tales and the water is wide
Imagination runs wild and unrestricted like a dragon in a vast ocean.
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
An adventurous spirit is alive and well, epitomized by pirates and Lost Boys' freedom to roam.
Fish bite moonbeams every night
Even fishes, creatures of the night, can sense and be attracted by something as ethereal as moonbeams.
And I love you
All of the beauty of the world manifests itself in the love one has for another.
The rockets racer's all tuckered out
After an exciting and tiring day, even the fastest toys — such as a rocket racer — runs out of fuel.
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Even the most powerful and invincible superhero relaxes and spends his downtime like everyone does.
Goodnight Moon, we'll find the mouse
This is a bedtime ritual shared by many families - reading a popular children's book and its iconic illustrations of a sleepy moon and a hidden mouse.
And I love you
A declaration of abiding love that extends beyond the grand adventures and everyday routines.
God bless mommy and match box cars
A simple prayer expressing gratitude for the two things that bring joy - a loving mother and a toy car.
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
Another prayer of gratitude to a father figure who initiates wonder and encourages dreams, represented by the wonder of the universe.
God hears "amen" wherever we are
A final assurance that no matter where we are or who we're praying to, we will be heard, and a show of solidarity for the trials and joys of parenthood.
And I love you
The song ends with an affirmation of the sentiment expressed throughout - a deep and unchallenged love for a child or loved one.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RADNEY M. FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KingDavids3rdEye
Ok so Radney I know im really late discovering this one but I just did, and let me tell you it touched me not only for you and your son and how difficult that had to be, but also my own experience. My wife passed away when my son was only 3 and the second I heard this I pictured her singing this to him from Heaven. Thanks for sharing such a personal song with all of us.
Greg Parson
Radney made his mark on country music and as one of my favorites years ago. But after hearing Godspeed, he made his mark on my heart. He just made a grown man cry like a bay, as i watched my little 4 year old play with his trucks while i sat and heard this video. Awesome Radney. Today like always, you simply deliver. Im a big fan who has always appreciated your sound and more so at this moment. Bless you.
Cindy Parres
I would play this song in my car after taking my boys to school. I would think of therm as little boys and would cry thinking of their tiny faces and how fast they are growing up. They are men now and it still gets me. I feel blessed to have know this song. Thank you for such a sweet song, it was like it was meant just for me.
Micheal Wolf
Stumbled across him. Feel in head first! Amazing talent
Birdie Gof
That's gotta be one of the most beautiful songs that I've ever heard...and saddest! Makes me think of my Dad who passed in 2009. "Godspeed little man...sweet dreams little man". Very powerful words.
Birdie Gof
...Godspeed little man, sweet dreams.
B D E
When I was little,my dad sang this to me at night,I fell right asleep
Todd Griffis
I sit here watching this in 2023 balling my eyes out while praying for my sons that are 23 and 17 yrs old! Such an amazing timeless somg
Mike Wasfaret
We cry every time we hear this song. We lost our 20 month old son, this song reminds us of him; we miss you Vance. Thankyou Radney for this Beautiful song. We've always been fans since '87. Radney writes from the heart; I made peace with God is a favorite.
david gregory
Love this song....love this video. Precious.