Introduction
“Long Ride,” featured on Ned LeDoux’s 2025 album Safe Haven, encapsulates the enduring spirit of cowboy life and the deep familial ties that influence his music. As the son of the late country music icon and rodeo champion Chris LeDoux, Ned continues to honor his father’s legacy while forging his own path in the country music landscape.
Released on April 4, 2025, Safe Haven stands as a poignant tribute to both his father and his late daughter, Haven, who tragically passed away in 2019. The album’s title was inspired by a photograph of Ned and Haven, symbolizing a place of comfort and remembrance. This emotional depth permeates the album, with tracks that reflect on loss, legacy, and the rugged beauty of the American West.
“Long Ride” is among the twelve tracks on Safe Haven, showcasing Ned’s storytelling prowess and his commitment to traditional country themes. While specific details about the song’s lyrics or composition are not widely publicized, its inclusion in an album dedicated to personal and familial reflection suggests a narrative rich in introspection and homage to the cowboy ethos.
The album also features “One Hand in the Riggin’,” a posthumous duet with his father, utilizing Chris LeDoux’s final studio recording. This collaboration bridges generations, blending their voices in a heartfelt tribute that underscores the album’s themes of connection and remembrance.
Produced by Mac McAnally, a longtime collaborator of Chris LeDoux, Safe Haven melds traditional country sounds with personal narratives, offering listeners a journey through Ned’s experiences of love, loss, and resilience. “Long Ride,” as part of this collection, contributes to the album’s exploration of life’s enduring journeys and the bonds that guide us through them.
In Safe Haven, Ned LeDoux not only pays homage to his roots but also asserts his voice in the country music genre, crafting songs that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. “Long Ride” exemplifies this endeavor, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the legacies that shape them.
