Meaning of "Ride 'em on Down" by The Rolling Stones

"Ride 'em on Down" is a blues-influenced song that reflects the struggles and realities of a life lived on the edge. The speaker identifies as a "dealing man" who is still engaged in that trade, but he expresses a desire to find a place to rest. The repetition of "I believe I'll ride 'em on down" suggests a choice to leave behind the life of a dealer and move on to something else.

The lyrics also hint at the speaker's internal conflict. The line "Raised in the country, got up raised in town" might indicate a feeling of displacement or disconnection. Despite having a family and children, the speaker feels the need to stop dealing and find a new path.

The mention of "some other deck" and the feeling that "somebody gonna take my shit" suggests a sense of competition and threat, possibly in the context of the speaker's livelihood. This could reflect the challenges faced by those in less traditional professions, where others may try to take advantage or encroach upon their territory.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ride 'em on Down" convey a longing for change and a desire to break free from the cycle of dealing. The repetition of the phrase "I believe I'll ride 'em on down" signifies a decision to move forward and leave behind the life of a dealer.