Southside Of Heaven

Ryan Bingham's 'Southside Of Heaven' is a poignant exploration of a man's struggle with despair, longing for redemption, and a sense of belonging. The song opens with a plea to the Lord, asking for his soul to be sent southbound upon his death, symbolizing a desire for peace and a return to his roots. The mention of a 'cool blues man name' suggests a yearning for a simpler, more authentic identity, one that resonates with the blues' themes of hardship and resilience.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life spent on the back roads, marked by loss and disillusionment. The narrator's faith in his family has waned, driving him to the brink of madness. This sense of being lost is compounded by the harsh environment of West Texas, where the land has been parched for a decade, and the wind blows like 'desert snow.' The imagery of a 'lost bound train running on cocaine and out of control' underscores the chaos and lack of direction in his life.

As the song progresses, the narrator's longing for home becomes more pronounced. He yearns for the 'south side of heaven,' a metaphor for a place of comfort and familiarity. The Louisiana byways and lonesome highways represent the journey back to his roots, where he believes he truly belongs. The line 'money can't buy my soul' highlights the narrator's belief in the value of hard-earned integrity over material wealth. Ultimately, 'Southside Of Heaven' is a heartfelt plea for redemption and a return to a place where the narrator feels he can find solace and warmth, away from the coldness of his current existence.