Ride On

Cruachan's 'Ride On' is a poignant ballad that delves into the themes of longing, separation, and the painful acceptance of unfulfilled desires. The song opens with a vivid description of a majestic horse, symbolizing freedom and strength, ridden by someone the narrator deeply admires. The horse's striking features and the rider's skillful handling of it create an image of grace and beauty, yet the narrator acknowledges a painful truth: despite their admiration and desire, they cannot join the rider on their journey.

The chorus, 'Ride on, see you, I could never go with you no matter how I wanted to,' encapsulates the essence of the song. It speaks to the inevitability of parting ways, even when the heart yearns to stay connected. This refrain is a powerful reminder of the emotional struggle between desire and reality, highlighting the narrator's internal conflict and resignation.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more somber. The rider's departure into the night, leaving no trace behind, symbolizes the finality of their separation. The line 'Run your claw along my gut, one last time' evokes a visceral sense of pain and loss, as if the narrator is being torn apart by the departure. The closing lines, where the narrator turns to face an empty space and searches for a spark through a teardrop, underscore the lingering sorrow and the search for hope amidst the darkness. This haunting conclusion leaves the listener with a profound sense of melancholy and reflection on the nature of love and loss.