Riding Alone

This song is about the many young men who, having fought for the south in the early part of the Civil War, deserted. Some did so because they were at odds with slavery while others had just had enough. Mark Twain himself deserted twice, once from the south and then from the north! Many of these deserters went to what became the desert southwest of the United States. The protagonist of this song is a fictional character that I made up. His name is J.C. Charleston. He rides with Lee and then deserts. This is one song of a series from a one man show that I have written and have yet to publish and take on the road. Someday soon I will. I hope you enjoy it.

Words and Music © 2025 by Geoffrey Clarfield. Recorded and arranged by Z. Gitalis.

Riding Alone

I had Rebel Madness

When I fought for the south

I ran Second Manassas

From a small stream's mouth

I crossed acres of sadness

Till I came to the saloon

Now I ride all night

By the light of the moon

Well the fight is in their favor

And the battle soon ends

On a once tilled hillside

I left behind my kin

With a sack on my back

I left family and home

Guess I'm down on my luck

So I ride alone

Chorus:

With my head in my hands

My time flows like sand

Through these fingers

Worked to the bone

I cried Lord have mercy

On my withered soul

My coat's colored grey

So I ride alone

When I'm tired of myself

I find friends on the road

Men from the desert

Hearts dry as stone

I'd give up my right hand

To cross the Rio Grande

True to my home

In a promised land

Chorus:

With my head in my hands

My time flows like sand

Through these fingers

Worked to the bone

I cried Lord have mercy

On my withered soul

My coat's colored grey

So I ride alone

Well on this lonesome sierra

That knows no end

Take your horse and saddle

To the roadside inn

And the senoritas

Ask you what is your name

If you're Johnny the Rebel

To them we're all the same

Chorus:

With my head in my hands

My time flows like sand

Through these fingers

Worked to the bone

I cried Lord have mercy

On my withered soul

My coat's colored grey

So I ride alone

I cried Lord have mercy

On my withered soul

My coat's coloured grey

So I ride alone.