About the song
Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone: A Country Ballad of Escape and Hope
In the vast landscape of country music, Charley Pride stands as a beacon of resilience and soulful expression. His rich baritone voice and heartfelt storytelling have captivated audiences for decades, and his 1970 hit, “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone”, is a prime example of his enduring artistry.
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” is a song steeped in longing and the yearning for a fresh start. The lyrics follow a down-on-his-luck protagonist who finds himself at a crossroads, seeking solace and a new beginning in the vibrant city of San Antonio. The opening lines paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s weariness: “Pain drippin’ off the brim of my head / It sure is cold today / And here I am walkin’ down 66 / Where she hadn’t done me that way.”
As the song progresses, the protagonist’s desire for escape intensifies. He dreams of leaving behind his troubles and finding a place where he can start anew: “Is anybody goin’ to San Antone? / Anyplace is all right as long as I can get away from here / I’ve been dreamin’ of leavin’ this town for so long / I’m hopin’ somebody’s goin’ my way.”
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” is not just a song about physical relocation; it’s a metaphor for the human spirit’s yearning for a better life. The protagonist’s journey to San Antonio represents the universal desire to escape hardship and find a place where one can truly belong.
Pride’s vocals perfectly capture the song’s emotional depth. His voice is imbued with a raw honesty that resonates with listeners, conveying the protagonist’s desperation and hope with palpable authenticity. The melody, a gentle yet driving country tune, complements Pride’s vocals, creating an atmosphere of both longing and anticipation.
“Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” is a timeless country ballad that has touched the hearts of listeners for generations. Its themes of escape, hope, and the pursuit of a better life continue to resonate in today’s world, making it a cherished classic of American music.
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