Released: 2022
Warren Zeiders’ ‘Ride the Lightning – 717 Tapes’ is a country song steeped in metaphors and imagery. It paints a picture of a man grappling with his wild nature, the perils of life, and the inevitability of death, all while hoping for redemption.
Starting off, the lyrics ‘Mama always said I was born on the wild side’ set the tone for the song. The singer acknowledges his rebellious nature, being ‘one foot in the flames and the other trying to walk the line’. This suggests a constant struggle between his wild instincts and his attempts to lead a straight life.
The phrase ‘ride the lightning’ is a powerful metaphor for living life on the edge, courting danger and excitement. The ‘thunder’ and ‘darkness’ symbolize the risks and potential consequences of such a lifestyle. Yet, the singer hopes to ‘fly on wings of fire’, expressing a desire for liberation and transcendence.
The ‘man in a black coat standing at a crossroads’ represents a figure of authority or judgment, possibly Death or the Devil. The ‘long list of lost souls’ and ‘cliffs are gone, forged out of fool’s gold’ suggest the many who’ve been led astray by false promises or illusions.
Despite the ominous imagery, the singer remains hopeful. He prays ‘the good Lord lifts me higher’, signifying a desire for salvation. The repeated line ‘Singing oh, when they call me home’ reinforces this longing for eventual peace and redemption.
In conclusion, ‘Ride the Lightning – 717 Tapes’ is a profound exploration of a man’s journey through life, marked by wildness, danger, and the hope for salvation. It’s a testament to Zeiders’ ability to weave complex themes into a compelling country song.
