About the song
Charley Pride, the iconic country music singer, delivered a timeless melody with “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.” Released in 1970 as the lead single from his tenth album, this heartfelt tune quickly climbed the country charts, reaching the coveted number-one spot. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Pride’s soulful vocals and the song’s relatable lyrics.
Written by Glenn Martin and Dave Kirby, the original version of “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone” was reworked by Pride’s manager, Jack D. Johnson, to better suit the singer’s style. Johnson’s contributions to the song’s arrangement, chords, and lyrics were significant, shaping it into the classic we know today. Despite Johnson’s instrumental role in the song’s success, he selflessly declined songwriting credit, prioritizing the advancement of his client’s career.
The song’s narrative centers around a man seeking solace and escape in the vibrant city of San Antonio. Through evocative imagery and a melancholic tone, Pride paints a picture of loneliness and longing. The chorus, with its repetitive question, “Is anybody goin’ to San Antone?” serves as a poignant plea for companionship and a chance to start anew. Pride’s emotive delivery captures the raw vulnerability of the protagonist, making the song resonate deeply with listeners.
Video
https://youtu.be/XzHHvxNh4PY
Lyrics
Rain drippin’ off the brim of my hatIt sure is cold todayHere I am walkin’ down 66Wish she hadn’t done me that waySleepin’ under a table in a roadside parkA man could wake up deadBut it sure seems warmer than it didSleepin’ in our king-sized bedIs anybody goin’ to San AntoneOr Phoenix, Arizona?Any place is alright as long as ICan forget I’ve ever known herWind whippin’ down the neck of my shirtLike I ain’t got nothin’ onBut I’d rather fight the wind and rainThan what I’ve been fightin’ at homeYonder comes a truck with the U.S. MailPeople writin’ letters back homeTomorrow, she’ll probably want me backBut I’ll still be just as goneIs anybody goin’ to San AntoneOr Phoenix, Arizona?Any place is alright as long as ICan forget I’ve ever known her