Ride On

Christy Moore's song 'Ride On' is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love and the pain of separation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person admiring someone who is metaphorically represented by a magnificent horse. This horse, described as 'the finest horse I've ever seen,' symbolizes the object of the singer's affection—someone who is beautiful, wild, and free. The singer acknowledges the skill and grace with which this person navigates life, yet also recognizes the impossibility of joining them on their journey, no matter how much they desire to.

The refrain 'Ride on, see you, I could never go with you, no matter how I wanted to' underscores the theme of unattainable love. It speaks to the heartache of watching someone you care about move on without you, despite your deep longing to be with them. This sentiment is further emphasized in the second verse, where the imagery of riding into the night and leaving no trace behind evokes a sense of finality and loss. The line 'Run your claw along my gut, one last time' suggests a painful farewell, as if the separation is not just emotional but physically wrenching.

The song concludes with the singer facing an 'empty space' where their loved one used to lie, searching for a 'spark that lights the night' through their tears. This final image captures the lingering hope and the enduring pain of love that cannot be realized. Christy Moore's delivery, combined with the haunting melody, amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Ride On' a deeply moving ballad about the sorrow of unfulfilled desires and the inevitability of parting ways with someone you love.