“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something about country music that just feels like home. It’s got that simple, honest charm that connects you to the heart of America. Charley Pride’s “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” is one of those songs that makes you feel like you’re riding down a dusty road with the wind in your face, thinking about life’s twists and turns. This song captures a special kind of longing and freedom, and it’s been a fan favorite since it was released in 1970. For Pride, it marked another milestone in his illustrious career as one of country music’s biggest stars.
About The Composition
- Title: Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone
- Composer: Glenn Martin and Dave Kirby
- Premiere Date: 1970
- Album: Charley Pride’s 10th Album
- Genre: Country
Background
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” was written by Glenn Martin and Dave Kirby, both respected songwriters in the country music world. The song became a major hit for Charley Pride, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1970. This was during a time when Pride was breaking barriers as one of the very few African-American country artists to achieve widespread success. With its release, Pride solidified his place in the country music pantheon. The song itself speaks to themes of loneliness, escape, and the search for solace—common threads in country music, but delivered here with an energy that made it stand out.
Musical Style
The song is a classic example of traditional country music, driven by a simple yet effective combination of guitar, fiddle, and pedal steel. Its structure follows the familiar verse-chorus format, but it’s the laid-back, almost conversational delivery by Charley Pride that makes it so engaging. The instrumentation perfectly complements the narrative of a man looking to escape heartache, with the music carrying a sense of movement, as if the listener is joining him on the road. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its melancholy theme, which adds a unique layer of depth to the listening experience.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” tell the story of someone running away from their troubles, hoping to find peace in a new place. With lines like “Anyplace is alright as long as I can forget I’ve ever known her,” it reflects the universal feeling of wanting to leave the past behind after a heartbreak. The chorus, asking if anybody is heading to San Antone, symbolizes the search for connection and a fresh start, while also capturing the spirit of the wandering soul so often celebrated in country music.
Performance History
After its release in 1970, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts and became one of Charley Pride’s signature tunes. Over the years, it has been performed by various artists, but no rendition captures the warmth and sincerity of Pride’s original version. The song remains a staple in country music, often covered in tribute performances and country music celebrations. It’s particularly notable for how it showcases Pride’s smooth vocal delivery, which was a defining feature of his style.
Cultural Impact
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” helped cement Charley Pride’s place in country music history, further breaking racial barriers in a genre that had been dominated by white artists. Pride’s success with this song and others opened the door for future generations of diverse country artists. Beyond that, the song’s themes of heartache and escape have made it relatable to listeners across different backgrounds, contributing to its lasting popularity. The song has been featured in country music playlists, covered by fellow musicians, and continues to be a fan favorite in live performances.
Legacy
More than five decades after its release, “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” still resonates with country music fans. It captures the essence of classic country—simple, heartfelt, and real. Charley Pride’s contribution to the genre goes beyond just this song, but it remains one of his most beloved tracks. Its influence is seen in the work of countless country artists who followed, and it remains a reminder of the power of country music to tell stories that touch the heart.
Conclusion
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” is more than just a song about leaving heartbreak behind; it’s a timeless piece of country music that captures the spirit of wanderlust and the desire for a fresh start. Charley Pride’s smooth voice and heartfelt delivery make it a standout track in his rich discography. If you haven’t heard it yet or haven’t listened to it in a while, it’s worth taking a moment to sit back and let its melody take you on a journey. For a great rendition, check out Charley Pride’s original recording—it’s a classic that never gets old.
Video
Lyrics
Rain drippin’ off the brim of my hat
It sure is cold today
Here I am walkin’ down 66
Wish she hadn’t done me that way
Sleepin’ under a table in a roadside park
A man could wake up dead
But it sure seems warmer than it did
Sleepin’ in our king-sized bed
Is anybody goin’ to San Antone
Or Phoenix, Arizona?
Any place is alright as long as I
Can forget I’ve ever known her
Wind whippin’ down the neck of my shirt
Like I ain’t got nothin’ on
But I’d rather fight the wind and rain
Than what I’ve been fightin’ at home
Yonder comes a truck with the U.S. Mail
People writin’ letters back home
Tomorrow, she’ll probably want me back
But I’ll still be just as gone
Is anybody goin’ to San Antone
Or Phoenix, Arizona?
Any place is alright as long as I
Can forget I’ve ever known her