Ry Cooder - Straight Street (Live in studio)

Directed by Jeff Coffman

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LYRICS
well i used to live on broadway, right next to the liar’s house
my number was self-righteousness and a very little guide of mouth
so i moved, yes i moved, and i’m living on straight street now

before i moved over, let me tell you how it was with me
old satan had me bound in chains and i had no liberty
one day my heart got troubled all about my dwelling place
i heard the Lord when He spoke to me, and he told me to leave that place
so i moved, i moved and i’m living on straight street now

since i moved, i’m really living, i’ve got peace within
i thank the Lord for everything, so glad i found new friends
since i moved, i moved, and i’m living on straight street now

Ry Cooder’s latest album, The Prodigal Son, is all America, our spiritual, hopeful voices, our raw cries and our sly provocations, voiced through the songs of the Pilgrim Travelers, The Stanley Brothers, Blind Willie Johnson, and Ry Cooder himself. This is black and white gospel church music, our own history of the spirit, sounding completely fresh and contemporary, framed by Cooder's expressive vocals and graceful, elegant guitar work. Aided by his son, drummer and chief collaborator, Joachim Cooder, The Prodigal Son is a deft commentary on our ailing moral state. This is music for these times, a fearless dive into the country’s soul and the man, Ry Cooder.

For nearly 50 years, the immense scope and influence of Ry Cooder's music has perhaps been felt as much, or more than heard. As musician, producer, songwriter and sage, the Santa Monica, California native has explored music and culture from across the city, the state, the country and around the world.

Over the years, Ry Cooder has received various awards and accolades such as:
2017 - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards- Lifetime achievement
2007 – Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award Instrumentalist
2003 Grammy Award (Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album) – Buenos Hermanos,
2003 Grammy Award (Best Pop Instrumental Album) – Mambo Sinuendo
1997 Grammy Award (Best Tropical Latin Performance) – Buena Vista Social Club
1994 Grammy Award (Best World Music Album) – Talking Timbuktu with Ali Farka Toure
1993 Grammy Award (Best World Music Album) – A Meeting by the River
1988 Grammy Award (Best Recording for Children) – Pecos Bill

The Prodigal Son Track Listing
1. straight street
2. shrinking man
3. gentrification
4. everybody ought to treat a stranger right
5. the prodigal son
6. nobody’s fault but mine
7. you must unload
8. i’ll be rested when the roll is called
9. harbor of love
10. jesus and woody
11. in his care

[TheScribeofLight]

There ain't many people who can play a guitar like he does. It's not just the technical proficiency, it's the feeling, how he uses his skill.

[sinwich]

He has been part of my life for 45 years....love the dude

[philipdarbyshire]

The sheer genius of 'less is more'. Is there ever a time when Ry Cooder is NOT simply phenomenal?

[johnclapzucker]

I cannot imagine a world without him. Thanks for everything!

[CharleneWilliamson-ho]

I've always loved Ry; I love even more to grow old with him and see him mentor his son and younger musicians to a higher place, and they "get it."

[hughgeorge]

I had the good fortune to see Ry and Rosanne Cash in Chicago before the pandemic. Memorable to say the least. They started one song that I couldn’t pick out. It sounded like a space jam, but ended with Ring Of Fire. I’ll never forget that experience.

[brianlevin]

One of the most under-rated musicians out there……just love him

[ramonalione]

Just trying to imagine what a thrill it would be to be a musician jammin with Ry Cooder!

[JohnLyne-xs]

This song represents moving on, the things people thought meant one thing now represent a different thing.
If you get stuck thinking the same way, you are not part of the changing situation. Reprocess your entire view, the way you read, write, and see God's blessings, you can't fix others, if you're not fixed yourself.

[macmcdowell]

This guy's musical "talking" is astonishing. Understated and sublime musicality. That's no easy trick. Big thanks, Ry!

[aloisemason]

One of the best recording artist that ever lived, is Ry Cooder and his band ..genius at what Ry Cooder sings and plays on slider guitar..the sound is fabulous..

[garywhitt]

That boy feels the music into existence. Always has.

[draaikont]

it's strange how music can rip the tears out of your eyes when you feel depressed and you think you have no more emotions left in your guts. thank you for letting me understand i'm not dead on the inside... love you mr. Ry.

[loldwater]

Tears come rolling from my eyes. Thank you Mr. Cooder for being a part of this life's experience. It adds to my heart.

[davida.gorton]

Straight Street's a decent place to live. It ain't Paradise because devil's still on the loose. Keep 'Jesus on the Mainline' and He will show you the 'Way'.

[rosemarydaughter]

What an outstanding So glad he crossed my mind this morning... and I have "visited" his Soul again*

[joshg]

Ry Cooder and Mavis Staples... how am I so blessed to live in this world at the same time as those two people? I got to see Ry last year, and Mavis this year...

[nkwrite]

Does he play ANYTHING that’s not wonderful? He’s a treasure!

[JBarbarosa]

God bless you Ry. I also had to move dear brother. Nothing makes sense in this world except Jesus the only way and straightest of all streets

[philipmurray]

I've had the pleasure of seeing Mr.Cooder several times. All I can say is "Thank you" for sharing your gift.
It just doesn't get any better.