This Ride
This Ride
“This Ride” tells the story of Neil Delehey, who confronted mortality after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and was drawn to buying a motorcycle if “things go bad.” Neil’s perspective shifts when he encounters a young child with an oxygen cart and no hair—also battling cancer. The song is a poignant reminder that sometimes our most profound moments of growth come from witnessing the quiet courage of others.
Storyteller
Neil Delehey
Teaching Artists
Song Lyrics
I got cancer and I might to die, that’s a problem, oh my my my
You never know how long you have left
If things go bad, if things go bad, if things go bad // I’m buying a cycle —
I shopped online for a motorcycle / know the model, yeah, I really like her
Spoked wheels, a real cool ride, saddle bags hanging on the side
I really want to buy this ride, but I’ll only do it / (only do it)
if i’m gonna
die
She comes in pulling her oxygen cart, she’s 8 or 10, just at the start
I’m 58, but she’s the one with no hair
If things go bad, if things go bad, if things go bad // I’m buying a cycle —
Chorus
In two seconds she helped me travel a thousand miles in my brain
I looked at her and / I felt embarrassed I have no business to complain, no, no I
Chorus