Casey's Last Ride - Kris Kristofferson

“Casey’s Last Ride” is a country ballad by Kris Kristofferson. But it’s so much more.
After reading of his death last week, I searched my archives and found a bunch of his old songs. “You Show Me Yours,” Sunday Morning Coming Down,” “Me and Bobby McGhee,” and a few others. But this one stands out. It’s a marvel. I learned it when I was just starting to play and sing. I was moved by this one and remember thinking it’s really two songs. First, Casey is a sorrowful man. Maybe regretting his life choices, he sinks into drink and loneliness. He “minds the arrows” in the subway just like everyone else. He drowns his sorrows in a saloon and sees, “his reflection in the lives of all the lonely men - who reach for anything they can to keep from goin’ home.”
The second song, seemingly interwoven, is the sweet voice of an old girlfriend or a lover, just happy to see him again, and wanting him to stay awhile. “Oh, she said. I suppose you seldom think about me. Now, she said. Now that you’ve a family 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.” The song is left unresolved. Just like life I suppose.
Kristofferson was a genius. He will be missed. Thanks for listening. I appreciate it.