About the song
Chris LeDoux’s “Photo Finish” is more than just a country song; it’s a snapshot of life on the open road and a relatable tale of a close encounter with law enforcement. Released in [Year], this track is a prime example of LeDoux’s ability to weave compelling narratives with a backdrop of rural Americana.
The song paints a vivid picture of a high-speed chase down a country highway. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and a touch of humor, transport the listener directly into the driver’s seat. LeDoux’s raspy vocals and twangy guitar give the song an authentic country feel.
“Well I don’t know if I’m gonna make it, it’s 9:15,” LeDoux sings, immediately setting the stage for a thrilling pursuit. The tension builds as he describes the encounter with the law enforcement officer, capturing the adrenaline rush and fear that accompany such a situation.
The song’s narrative is more than just a thrilling tale of a speeding ticket. It’s a reflection on the freedom of the open road and the challenges faced by those who live a nomadic lifestyle. The imagery of the highway, the flashing lights, and the ticking clock create a sense of urgency and excitement.
LeDoux’s decision to include a touch of humor in the song adds to its appeal. Lines like “I wiped out three reflector posts along the shoulder” and “He put up the gun as I explained my situation” create a sense of irony and lighten the mood.
“Photo Finish” is more than just a fun song; it’s a tribute to the American cowboy and the spirit of adventure. The song’s themes of freedom, rebellion, and the open road resonate with listeners who appreciate the rugged individualism of the American West.
“Photo Finish” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It’s a testament to Chris LeDoux’s songwriting skills and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep level. Whether you’re a fan of country music or simply enjoy a good story, “Photo Finish” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
At seven this mornin’ I got on the phoneAnd said to hold my Bronc as long as you canMy car broke down in Billings and they just got it put back togetherI’ll be photo finishing in to old CheyenneWell, here I am in Sheridan and it’s nine o’clockIn the morning, and time’s going fastI just pulled her over, had some coffee and a doughnutAnd I bought the car a brand new tank of gasWell, I don’t know if I’m gonna make it, it’s 9:15I’ll be lucky if I ever get thereBy God, now what’s that I hear? Is it a siren?Sure enough he got me on his radarHe pulled up behind me and turned on those flashing lightsA sign that I knew meant pull her overSo I stomped on my brakes and as I skidded to a haltI wiped out three reflector posts along the shoulderHe got out of his car and was walking real slowSo I jumped out and met him halfwayHe jerked out his gun and said, “Mister, are you crazy?I ain’t never seen nobody drive that way”I told him to take it easy and he could put up that cannonThe way he was shaking, it just might go offHe put up the gun as I explained my situationHe listened to my story, then he coughedHe wrote me out a ticket, that seemed to take foreverI took it and as I headed for my carThat cop, he hollered after me and said, “Hey, cowboyYou better slow down ’cause you can not run this radar”As I rolled on down the road, I was a cursin’ and a swearin’About the ticket that I had just acquiredI wondered if I ought to pay it or throw it out the windowBut I might just set the damn thing afireSo I gunned it once again and was traveling down the roadWith the gas pedal mashed to the floorWhen I came around a curve and right there in the highwayThere was more damn sheep than I’ve ever seen beforeI’m going too fast to ever stop, so I just close my eyesAs the car roars on through the herdWhen I opened up my eyes again, there’s a sheep on the fenderAnd that herder saying some mighty awful wordsThe sweats dripping off my hands as I barrel through old WheatlandI’m a nervous wreck and I must be out of sightThe flies inside this old car are buzzing all around meGuess my 24-hour deodorant quit last night60, 50, 40, 30, 20 miles moreThe rodeo starts in another 18 minutesI pull in through the main gate and I hear the anthem playingI can’t believe it, thank God I finally made itThere’s only one more obstacle that’s standing in my wayIt’s a nitwit with a weekend badgeHe’s standing by the gate and as I slide her to a haltHe says, “Where in the hell you going so doggone fast?”I tell him I’m entered and I ain’t got time to talkMy horse is in the chute and I’m lateHe says I need to get a pass from the secretaryMy eyes get red, my heart fills up with hateI yell you dirty so and so, you’d better let me throughHe asked if I’d repeat that once againSo I whacked him in the mouth and a left him lying thereOn his back kicking in the sandI got there just in time to see my bronc come running outHis head and tail was held way up highI swear he looked right straight at me and grinned and gave horse laughAnd me, I just stood there and criedI turned around feeling helpless and fairly dumbfoundedI looked and what did I seeThree highway patrolmen and a gateman with a fat lipAnd they were all looking right at meSitting in the cell now I’ve done a lot of thinkingAbout that wild run I made a month agoI’m sorry that I’m in this rotten situationIf I could do it again, I wouldn’t have drove so slowIf I could do it again, I wouldn’t have drove so slow