Restless Kid
Rick Nelson Lyrics
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On a wagon train
But I'm gonna go like a July snow
Back to where I came from
Gonna leave this hum drum
It's to slow and tame
None of your business where I've been
Run your ranch and punch your cows
And stay behind my gun man
Colorado's right hand will put you on the run
I got a gal in Denver town
That's crying over me
But I said goodbye and I let her cry
I miss her company
But I'll get out of this rut
Rio Bravo's killin' me
They got a man locked in a cell
That's a free'r man than I
He's gonna laugh right in their face
When they lead him out to die
And he's gonna leave this badland
And ride off in the sky
You're gonna see ol' Colorado
Headin' for the door
You better believe I'm gonna leave
Like the 904 train
Gotta breath some air again
That ain't been breathed before
The lyrics to Rick Nelson's song Restless Kid paint a picture of a restless individual who has traveled from one place to another on a wagon train but is now looking to return to where they came from. They express a sense of confinement in their current situation and a desire for something new and exciting. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been involved in some questionable activities and is prepared to defend themselves if anyone asks too many questions.
The song's chorus is particularly powerful, with the lyrics "I came in like a restless wind, but I'm gonna go like a July snow" suggesting that the singer is determined to make a quick exit and leave a lasting impression. They are ready to leave the monotony of their current life behind and venture into the unknown.
The lyrics also allude to other individuals who are similarly trapped, such as the man locked up in a cell who is freer than the singer. The song expresses a desire for autonomy and freedom from societal constraints. It ends with the singer confidently stating their intention to leave, bringing the song to a bold conclusion.
Line by Line Meaning
I came in like a restless wind
I arrived in a bustling manner, full of energy and eagerness
On a wagon train
I traveled with a group of people, likely enduring a difficult journey
But I'm gonna go like a July snow
I will depart quietly and suddenly, like a summer snowfall
Back to where I came from
I will return to my place of origin
Gonna leave this hum drum
I intend to depart from this monotonous and unexciting routine
It's too slow and tame
The current situation lacks excitement and is not challenging enough
None of your business where I've been
My past is private and not for public discussion
Don't ask me what I've done
My actions are also not up for discussion
Run your ranch and punch your cows
Mind your own business and focus on your own work
And stay behind my gun man
Stay out of my way and let me handle my own affairs
Colorado's right hand will put you on the run
My trusted associate, Colorado, will use force if necessary to keep others in line
I got a gal in Denver town
I have a romantic partner in Denver
That's crying over me
This person is upset and emotional about my departure
But I said goodbye and I let her cry
I said farewell, but did not comfort the person, leaving them to cry alone
I miss her company
I have fond memories of spending time with this person
But I'll get out of this rut
I will escape from this dull and unfulfilling situation
Rio Bravo's killin' me
My current location, Rio Bravo, is causing me distress and discomfort
They got a man locked in a cell
There is a prisoner being held in custody
That's a free'r man than I
Despite being imprisoned, this person is more liberated than I am in my current situation
He's gonna laugh right in their face
This person will not be intimidated, and will react with confidence and humor
When they lead him out to die
This person is on death row, but remains unafraid
And he's gonna leave this badland
Once free, this person will escape from this dangerous and unpleasant place
And ride off in the sky
This person will likely escape on a plane or other aerial vehicle
You're gonna see ol' Colorado
It will become evident to others that I am leaving, and that I had the support of my associate, Colorado
Headin' for the door
I will make a swift and decisive exit
You better believe I'm gonna leave
There is no doubt that I will depart
Like the 904 train
I will leave quickly and with purpose, like a fast train
Gotta breath some air again
I need a change of scenery and to experience something new
That ain't been breathed before
I want to experience something completely fresh and unexplored
Contributed by Madison Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.