Initially formed in 1983, the members came from all around the U.S. Most notably, Kentucky native Sid Griffin who shared most the vocals and guitars with Virginian Stephen McCarthy. The band scored a UK hit with Looking for Lewis & Clark in 1985. The group disbanded in 1987, but reunited to perform at the 2004 Glastonbury Festival and several other major events.
The Long Ryders played their first live dates in the U.S. in more than 20 years when they headlined in 2009 at The Earl in Atlanta, Georgia, and in 2014 at the Troubadour in Los Angeles.
On February 15, 2019, The Long Ryders released Psychedelic Country Soul, the band's first album of new material in 33 years.
Gunslinger Man
The Long Ryders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His gun on his hips
Fortified at night by some little pink slips
Silver Smith and Wesson with a
Pearl handled butt
Cut polished shinin' from his hand to the nut
Don't you know he's a gunslinger man
But you know he's a gunslinger man
'N' he won the West with his hand
He used to be feared for the length of his gun
Today he's known for the strength of his tongue
In Poinsettia Park with Russian immigrants
Hard as they work they're never heaven sent
Don't you know he's a gunslinger man
'N' he does the best that he can
But you know he's a gunslinger man
'N' he won the West with his hand
Eight lines or worse, ten maids awaitin'
He's thinking so loud that his teeth are grating
False idols calling from his dusk to his dawn
Got his daddy wonderin' what the hell he is on
You'd see it in his eyes, see it in his verse
Minute 'n' a half short of a ride in a hearse
He needs no badges to identify him
He's the owneroperator of original sin
Don't you know he's a gunslinger man
'N' he does the best that he can
But you know he's a gunslinger man
'N' he won the West with his hand
The lyrics of "Gunslinger Man" by The Long Ryders tell the story of a gunslinger who walks into town with his gun on his hips, symbolizing his reputation and power. He carries little pink slips, which suggest that he has been involved in shady or illegal activities. The mention of a Silver Smith and Wesson with a pearl-handled butt shows that his weapon is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Although the gunslinger's gun used to be feared for its size, he is now known for the strength of his tongue. This suggests that he no longer relies solely on physical force, but also uses his wit and verbal prowess to assert his dominance. The reference to Poinsettia Park and Russian immigrants implies that the gunslinger is interacting with people from different backgrounds. However, despite their hardworking nature, they are not considered "heaven sent," suggesting they do not possess the same level of power or influence.
The following verses depict a somewhat troubled individual. The mention of "eight lines or worse, ten maids awaitin'" suggests that he has a reputation for excessive indulgence. The gunslinger's thoughts are so loud and chaotic that his teeth are grating, indicating inner turmoil. False idols are calling to him, potentially leading him down a destructive path. His father is concerned about his behavior, questioning what could be driving him to act this way.
The gunslinger is portrayed as someone on the edge, with a sense of danger emanating from his eyes and verse. He is described as being close to death, "a minute 'n' a half short of a ride in a hearse." The gunslinger does not need badges to identify him; his identity is tied to his original sin, suggesting he is bound by his past actions and reputation.
Overall, "Gunslinger Man" paints a picture of a complex and troubled individual who once had a fearful presence but now relies on his words and charisma. He is caught between his past and present, wrestling with inner demons and summoning false idols.
Line by Line Meaning
Well he came into town with
He arrived in the town with
His gun on his hips
A firearm holstered on his hips
Fortified at night by some little pink slips
He gained confidence at night through small victories
Silver Smith and Wesson with a
A silver Smith and Wesson firearm with
Pearl handled butt
A handle made of pearl
Cut polished shinin' from his hand to the nut
Supremely polished and shining from one end to the other
Don't you know he's a gunslinger man
Are you aware that he is a skilled gunslinger
'N' he does the best that he can
And he always puts forth his best effort
But you know he's a gunslinger man
Yet, you understand that he is indeed a gunslinger
'N' he won the West with his hand
And he emerged victorious in the conquest of the West through his skill
He used to be feared for the length of his gun
People used to fear him due to the size of his firearm
Today he's known for the strength of his tongue
Nowadays, he is recognized for his persuasive and powerful speech
In Poinsettia Park with Russian immigrants
Spending time in Poinsettia Park with Russian immigrants
Hard as they work they're never heaven sent
Despite their diligent work, they are not seen as divinely chosen
Eight lines or worse, ten maids awaitin'
Either eight lines or even more, ten maids eagerly waiting
He's thinking so loud that his teeth are grating
His thoughts are so loud that they are irritating
False idols calling from his dusk to his dawn
Idols that deceive are constantly influencing him
Got his daddy wonderin' what the hell he is on
His father is curious about what he is under the influence of
You'd see it in his eyes, see it in his verse
It is evident in his eyes and his poetic expressions
Minute 'n' a half short of a ride in a hearse
Just a very short time away from dying
He needs no badges to identify him
He doesn't require any symbols to recognize his identity
He's the owneroperator of original sin
He is in control of the original sin, the primal transgression
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIDNEY GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Farley
Steven McCarthy was one of the most under rated guitarists of the time.
Eddie Coyle
Totally agree and a really good guy along with the band, been on a Vinyl Long Ryders binge of late and even my hip hop kids dig thier tunes ,now that's proof that they should have been huuuuuuuuuuuuge!!
wembley05
Best band never found!
Pablo Alamo
¡¡¡Temazo!!!
wembley05
The best! Love them! Best band ever!
rosa murcia
Lo más simplemente!!!!
Jaime Benavides
I still miss THE LONG RYDERS!!!
Al M.
Great band. They were part of the alt-country rock scene in SoCal in the 80s along with Green on Red, The Beatfarmers and Lone Justice.
Fredo70
Great!Many thanks!With Long Riders I started to play music!Big band and superbe song!All the best from Spain!Thanks for share!
fenderman0463
man...that was choice!!!...the long ryders are my favorite all time band from the 80's....i was in their fan club...