Back in the Saddle Again

As I sat down to start writing a post today, the name that came to mind was Gene Autry (1907–1998). I have no idea why I thought of him, but I figured, why not go with it?

I suppose the idea of getting back in the saddle might come from the fact it’s now outdoor cycling season after a very long winter. I know many cyclists who ride outdoors all year, even in our cold, icy, snowy Winnipeg winters and props to them, but that is not something I can ever picture myself doing.

Known as “the Singing Cowboy,” the actor, singer, composer, rodeo performer and baseball owner acted in 93 films, hosted a television series, and was one of the leading figures in country and western music. After working in radio, Autry was signed to his first record deal in 1929. In 1939 he released a single he co-wrote with country and western singer-songwriter and actor Ray Whitley (1901-1979), a revised version of Whitley’s song, “Back in the Saddle Again.” The song eventually became more associated with Autry and was one of his best-known songs.

“I’m back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the Longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly Jimson weed
Back in the saddle again

Ridin’ the range once more
Totin’ my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again

Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin’ to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again

I’m back in the saddle again
Out where a friend is a friend
Where the Longhorn cattle feed
On the lowly Jimson weed
Back in the saddle again

Ridin’ the range once more
Totin’ my old .44
Where you sleep out every night
And the only law is right
Back in the saddle again

Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin’ to and fro
Back in the saddle again
Whoopi-ty-aye-yay
I go my way
Back in the saddle again”

“Back in the Saddle Again,” by Ray Whitely and Gene Autry.
Lyrics retrieved from AZLyrics.com.

The song is a celebrated ode to the cowboy life in American culture. Nowadays, it is also likely to be viewed through a lens of colonialism and the devastating impacts that movement had on the First Peoples of what is now North America, who are now reclaiming their rich spiritual traditions, culture and identity. Either way, it’s part of the multicultural landscape of the continent we now share, though equity in wealth and opportunity is still far off.

While known for his country and western repertoire, Autry also recorded a great many Christmas songs. In addition to its release as a single, “Back in the Saddle Again” is the title track of a 1966 Autry record, and it has appeared on several compilation albums. In Apple Music, more than 50 releases of the song are attributed to Autry! Likewise, numerous official posts on the official Gene Autry channel exist on YouTube. The song also appears on the soundtrack of the movie Sleepless in Seattle (1993).

Now you know a little about why this is my Song of the Day for Today. Thanks for joining me here. Here is an official version of the song:

With best wishes,

Steve