The Long Ryders is an American alternative country and Paisley Underground … Read Full Bio ↴The Long Ryders is an American alternative country and Paisley Underground band, principally active between 1983 and 1987, who have periodically regrouped for brief reunions (2004, 2009, 2016). In 2019 they released a new album and announced a series of tour dates to follow.

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.

Wreck Of The 809
The Long Ryders Lyrics

One day I walked out my doorway
I was young, younger than today
I couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes
People running screamin' runnin' and a fire lightin' up the sky

Well my daddy rode the train to take him to the factory
Where he slaved eatin' shit to save my mama and me
Now the sirens kee a-comin' and I heard somebody say
140 people were ridin' that train today
Wreck of the 809

I couldn't believe what was happening before my eyes
People running screamin' runnin' and a fire lightin' up the sky

Well the crowd thinned out several hours later
And I asked a policeman about my daddy was he alright
Then I saw my mama crying and I heard somebody say
107 people won't be comin' back home today
Wreck of the 809

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Written by: Stephen Mccarthy, Tom Stevens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS