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 Brian wrote this song as a fitting tribute to Dan Rice as his mentor in 1990. A good reminder for all of us to show appreciation for each other while we can.
for further info, click here: Dan Rice Passes Away
In the summer of 1989, shortly after graduating from high school, I moved up
to Boulder Colorado into the campus ministry. Dan Rice was the intern there
(Curt and Patti Simmons were leading the campus) and became my discipling
partner and spiritual mentor. It was a very influential time in my life,
and watching Dan study the Bible with people, minister to students, and pour
himself out serving (he would say up all night creating slide shows for the
ministry) made a life-long impact on me.
One of my favorite things to do was ride along in the car with Dan through
the city of Boulder or the nearby mountain passes. We would have talks as
we rode along about God, the ministry, and girls I liked (especially Dessa
Reid, who three years later was to become my wife). Driving along like that
became a metaphor for our relationship in a song I wrote for day for Dan
during that period and recorded it with some other students back then. It
was called "Ride Along with You".
Listening back to the youthful expression in this song is very moving.
Looking back at the words from almost 20 years ago, I was reminded of what a
vulnerable and impressionable time in life it was for me, and how important
"big brother" relationships are in the church, particularly in campus
ministry. It was so important for me to have someone I looked up to that
modeled devotion to God, deep conviction, love for others, and heart-felt
service to the kingdom. I am forever grateful to Dan and hope I can be a
big-brother to others in the way he was to me.
[Among the students who recorded the song with me were Aaron Breford on
drums (now in the Chicago church), Paul Chilson delivering on cow bell (now
in the Denver church), Jeff Shockley on background vocals (Salt Lake
church), and Angie Craig on background vocals (New York church).]
Ride Along With You
I looked at you the other day.
You were helping a friend to find the way.
And the love you showed was love,
heart-held from above -thank you for it.
And I want to be just like you in that way,
to help all my friends too.
Won't you let me ride along with you,
right along with you.
O let your heart be mine too
Won't you let me ride along with you,
right along with you.
I'll follow you, just lead the way
Won't you let me ride along with you,
right along with you
until this rough road is through.
Won't you let me ride along with you,
right along with you.
Show me what to do, let me
ride along with you.
You give your life your very best.
I want your heart here in my chest.
In life you're so intense,
no riding on the fence -thank you for it.
And I want to be just like you in that way;
I'm selling my life too.
I see myself in your eyes
You see right through my disguise.
And so you help me to be,
'cause I see the real me -thank you for it.
And I want to be just like you, that's why I
ride along with you.
Click here to listen to the song.
J. Brian Craig 1990
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