Sifa Lyrics

Circuit Rider by Russ Taff cover art

Russ Taff - Circuit Rider Lyrics

Artist:
Russ Taff

Lyrics

(Verse 1)
Two men rode out on horseback;
Said "Good-bye & until then;
I should not be surprised at all, if I never see you again"


(Pre-Chorus A:)
He said, "If you never see me,
make sure you tell my friends that
I was preaching 'Jesus saves' until the bitter end"


(Verse 2:)
His voice was like the thunder;
and we stayed there all night long. He baptized several thousand;
and he taught us right from wrong.


(Pre-Chorus B:)
Most nights he went hungry;
He slept on cabin floors
But he spoke just like a hurricane
On fire for the Lord.


Chorus:
He came through town at midnight with a Bible and a cross;
he looked just like an outlaw, a Jesse James for God.
And I wanted to go with him; when he told how Jesus died.


Come on, circuit rider; and let me take a ride, ride, ride. Ride, ride, ride.


(Verse 3)
He taught us by example;
He lived it day by day.
He took in every orphan,
Sent some demons on their way.


Bridge 1:
He'd visit all the old folks;
He'd lend a helping hand.
And in the face of danger;
He would always take a stand.


Bridge 2:
He died at eighty-seven;
And we all could feel the loss.
He was always our Saint Peter
On the Day of Pentecost.


The last time that I saw him;
he was ridin' 'round the bend;
but the man was preaching
"Jesus saves" until the bitter end.


(Chorus)


(Vamp:)
Ride, ride, circuit rider.
Let me ride (4x repeats)
I want to ride.
Everybody get on board now and take a ride.
I want to ride, let me ride.


Video

Meaning & Inspiration

Circuit Rider tells the story of a traveling preacher whose message and conduct remain consistent through hunger, danger, and hardship. The central figure crosses towns with a Bible and a cross, proclaiming that Jesus saves while also caring for orphans, visiting older people, and offering practical help. Those details connect evangelism with service, making the rider memorable not merely for forceful preaching but for a life that supports the message.

The repeated farewell and the image of preaching to the end give the song a sense of costly perseverance. Mark 16:15 provides a fitting biblical parallel for carrying the gospel widely, while Romans 10:15 describes the beauty of those who bring good news. The references to baptism and Pentecost further place the narrative within the language of Christian mission. By inviting others to take the ride, the refrain turns admiration into a call to share in courageous witness, steady compassion, and public allegiance to Jesus.

Related Scripture

  • Mark 16:15 Jesus commands his followers to proclaim the gospel to all creation.
  • Romans 10:15 Paul honors those who carry and announce good news.