Join The Ride has become a special song for Road Poets. I originally wrote it to be the “last” Rock song I’d write. A bookend to all my up tempo, guitar heavy, riff rock that came before. Going all the way back to me in my twenties, writing songs like Duster or blues rock with Dizzy Maroon in Guelph. A pompous rock anthem that would introduce our band. It was meant to be Meathead Rock. Here’s the definition…
“Meathead rock is a genre of music characterised by its heavy and aggressive sound. It often appeals to a more simplistic or brute approach to rock music, focusing on physicality and raw energy rather than lyrical depth or complexity.”
I wrote it when Rob The Drummer was still in the band and we weren’t yet called Road Poets. The idea was … a heavy simplistic beat, simple throw away words, way too much guitar soloing and some clever/corny band introductions. In true rock fashion the name of the drummer in this song has changed 3 times and guitarist Fraser left and was replaced by Chris. Join The Ride isn’t Meathead Rock? It’s become a reflection on aging and mortality and beautiful explosive guitar playing; that also introduces the band.
Not young enough to matter, Too old to care, Don’t need a mirror, To see the wear, Attitude and volume, Plugged in an rocking, Can’t hear the reaper knocking, Heart pumping, Blood flowing, Feeling alive, No way of knowing, Join the ride
A song like this needs the right video. Something audacious. The job went to Sean Danby. The 1990’s frontman for our bands Dizzy Maroon and Dissemblers. Sean can take one of my subtle ,sensitive, lyrical metaphors and add Baby, Baby Baby to it. Sean on stage is larger than life. A caricature of rock idioms. A Canadian Bon Scott. A crazed, dancing, Marionette gone sentient. But time passes and we all mature. These days he’s an in demand quiet, introspective, reserved fellow who edits corporate video.
Making the Join The Ride video gave Sean back his Meathead Rock wings. Check this out….