Why I Wrote the song “I Ride”: Becoming a Rider in Your Own Life
By Glenda Benevides
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I found myself reflecting on the courage, sacrifice, and determination that shaped our nation. That reflection while in Boston Mass became the inspiration for my song, I Ride. I wanted to wake up something in myself and others as we too live through challenging historical times.
At first glance, I Ride is a song about history. It honors the brave riders who carried urgent warnings across the American colonies as the Revolutionary War began. But beneath the history lies a deeper message, and one that speaks to all of us right now.
Most people know the story of Paul Revere’s midnight ride. Yet history tells us he was not alone. Five remarkable riders helped spread the warning that the British troops were coming: Paul Revere, William Dawes, Dr. Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell, and Sybil Ludington. This was life or death with so much on the line for everyone.
Revere set out on his famous ride on April 18, 1775, but was eventually captured. Dawes turned back. Dr. Samuel Prescott was the only rider who successfully reached Concord and delivered the warning. Meanwhile, Israel Bissell undertook what may have been the most grueling ride of all, traveling an astonishing 345 miles over four days and six hours, alerting militias throughout the colonies that war had begun.
Then there was Sybil Ludington. Yes, a girl! At just sixteen years old, she rode nearly forty miles through the night in 1777 twice the distance of Revere’s ride, to warn colonial forces in Connecticut of an approaching British attack. Her bravery later earned recognition from General George Washington himself. I thought! WOW! If she and they can do it, so can we. It’s our turn now.
In the 18th century riders were ordinary people faced with extraordinary circumstances. They didn’t know how history would remember them. They didn’t know if they would succeed. They simply knew that something larger than themselves was at stake. They took that chance.
That realization became the heart of I Ride.
The song is not only about those who rode in 1775 and 1777. It is about all of us. Every generation faces moments when it must choose courage over comfort, action over fear, and purpose over complacency. We may not be riding horseback through the darkness, but we all face our own midnight nightmare rides.
I thought: What makes us RIDERS?
A rider is someone willing to answer a calling. A rider stands up for what matters. A rider speaks truth when it would be easier to stay silent. A rider follows their intuition and inner voice, especially when others say it can’t be done. A rider serves a cause greater than personal gain.
Clarity let’s our core foundation lead the way, Passion gives us direction. Purpose gives us endurance. Courage gives us movement. The “riders” of the American Revolution understood this truth. They risked everything because they knew we are all connected. “One for all and all for one”, and they believed freedom was worth fighting for because it effects all of us.
Today, the question is not whether the British are coming. The question is: What are you willing to ride for?
What dream, passion, mission, belief, or calling stirs your heart enough to move you into action?
That is the spirit behind I Ride. It is a tribute to the heroes who helped ignite a revolution, and an invitation for each of us to become riders in our own life, to live boldly, love deeply, serve passionately, and leave the world better than we found it.
So, the ride continues. The question is: Will you answer the call?
Creating Clarity, Courage, Confidence, Commitment and Community!
Listen to the song: https://glendabenevides.bandcamp.com/track/i-ride
Become a RIDER: https://glendabenevides.com/newsletter/
By Glenda Benevides
GRAMMY®-nominated Artist, Author & Transformational Leader
