“Casey’s Last Ride” is a song by Kris Kristofferson, featured on his debut album, “Kristofferson,” released in 1970. The song narrates the story of a man named Casey, who experiences complex emotions and regrets in life.
In “Casey’s Last Ride,” Casey reminisces about significant memories and events in his life, but now he must face leaving everything behind and continuing his journey alone. The song reflects regret and sadness, with a melancholic and profound mood.
“Casey’s Last Ride” is known for its deep lyrics and beautiful melody, showcasing Kris Kristofferson’s distinctive folk-country music style. The song has garnered admiration from listeners and fellow musicians alike, and is considered one of the standout pieces in Kristofferson’s music career.
Casey joins the hollow sound of silent people walking down The stairway to the subway in the shadows down below Following their footsteps through the neon-darkened corridors Of silent desperation, never speakin’ to a soul
The poison air he’s breathin’ has the dirty smell of dying ‘Cause it’s never seen the sunshine and it’s never felt the rain But Casey minds the arrows and ignores the fatal echoes Of the clickin’ of the turnstiles and the rattle of his chains
“Oh, ” she said, “Casey, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you” “Here, ” she said, “Just a kiss to make a body smile” “See, ” she said, “I’ve put on new stockings just to please you” “Lord, ” she said, “Casey, can you only stay a while?”
Casey leaves the underground and stops inside the Golden Crown For something wet to wipe away the chill that’s on his bone Seeing his reflection in the lives of all the lonely men Who reach for anything they can to keep from goin’ home
Standin’ in the corner, Casey drinks his pint of bitter Never glancing in the mirror at the people passing by Then he stumbles as he’s leaving and he wonders if the reason Is the beer that’s in his belly, or the tear that’s in his eye
“Oh, ” she said, “I suppose you seldom think about me” “Now, ” she said, “Now that you’ve a fam’ly of your own” “Still, ” she said, “It’s so blessed good to feel your body” “Lord, ” she said, “Casey, it’s a shame to be alone”