Reagan Song Re-Surfaces After 7 Years

The day former President Ronald Reagan died, author Terri Marie, had just purchased a digital piano. A year and a half ago, she had given her piano away when she moved into a small apartment.

One June 8, two people called Marie, one choked up told her, "A great American has just died." The other, a foreigner, pointed to the photo of Reagan in his cowboy hat smiling and said, "That was a great American. The world loved him."

That evening, Marie sat down at the piano. Quite unintentionally she wrote a song. When the words came, Marie was floored. The song was not only a tribute to Reagan, but a song of the deep bond Reagan shared with his wife, Nancy.

Marie called her father and read him the words. Silence. When her father spoke he told Marie, "Get the song out there."

Marie tried calling the Reagan Library to see about getting the song to Nancy to no avail. Because she had produced a documentary with James Roosevelt at the Nixon Library, Marie called to see if the Nixon Library might be able to get the song to Nancy.

Two days later, the concert director of the Nixon Library called back asking Marie questions about the song. The director too, loved the bond Reagan shared with his wife. She asked if Marie would perform the song at the tribute they were holding for President Reagan in a few days. Marie agreed, never having performed or sang in public before.

It took 2 more years before Marie was finally able to get the song to Nancy Reagan, who was very touched by the song.

"Reagan's Ride" has never been completely recorded although it is now in the process. The song is about a man who loved America, Americans, and especially his wife.

Here are the words. It is written to Reagan.

"Reagan's Ride"

by Terri Marie

Written June 8th, 2004
Copyrighted

Never been afraid of life
Always been a hero
You turned the world into our friend

Always been a leader
Always been a gentleman
We found our America again

Chorus:

When you took that Presidential ride
With a soul that lights a hero's eyes
Took the reins of America to guide her
With the love of your life there beside you

Every minute was your finest hour
You could balance heart with power
A leader...it was your destiny

They talk of heroes in the movies
But it's life where you earn your spurs
You were the hero we needed you to be

Chorus:

With your bride by your side you led our nation
You took the country in your hands
You gave the world such inspiration
We were led by a gentleman

America is bigger than one man
But you came as close as someone can
To rising above our growing pains

A man who still could laugh
Even when Life shot you down
You gave our country strength again

Chorus:

As your bride stands aside you leave our nation
To your new frontier, your new destination
This means an era has its end
We will miss our country's great friend

Always been a hero
Always been a leader
Always been a cowboy with a smile

Always been a gentleman
Always been the world's friend
Always charmed us with your style

Chorus:

As you ride now into your last sunset
With a choir of angels by your side
Take our prayers for America there with you
And send a special prayer home for your bride

You were our friend, you were our friend
You were our friend, You're still our friend
Ronald goodbye.

Terri Marie

928-634-6400

whitewingv@yahoo.com

Performed June 13th 2004 at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library