In October 2019, country singer Ned LeDoux – son of legend Chris LeDoux – faced an unspeakable tragedy: his 2-year-old daughter, Haven LeDoux, died at home in Kansas in a suffocation accident involving a massage chair.
The accident happened in mere moments. While unsupervised for just a short time, Haven got trapped in a part of the chair’s mechanism. Emergency services were called immediately, but despite efforts to revive her, she passed away a few hours later.
Ned and his wife, Morgan, remained silent for days. When they finally spoke, it was in a brief, heartbreaking statement: “Haven was the light of our lives… We respectfully request privacy.” The loss stunned the country music community. Artists like Cody Johnson and Aaron Watson publicly offered condolences.
Ned stepped away from music for months. He only returned to the stage when he felt truly ready – carrying his pain as part of his story. In a rare interview, he shared: “I’ll never get over it. But I’m learning to live with it.”
Ned LeDoux, Chris LeDoux – One Hand In The Riggin’
About the song
Ned LeDoux and Chris LeDoux are names synonymous with the world of rodeo and country music. Their collaborative track, “One Hand In The Riggin'”, is a classic example of the genre’s ability to tell stories of the American West.
The song paints a vivid picture of a cowboy’s life, filled with both the freedom of the open road and the loneliness of being constantly on the move. The title, “One Hand In The Riggin'”, is a reference to a cowboy’s rope, symbolizing their connection to their work and their way of life.
The lyrics of the song capture the essence of the cowboy lifestyle. We hear about the challenges of being away from home, the dangers of the rodeo circuit, and the simple pleasures of life on the road. The line, “No matter how far down the road I go there’s always one more road you like for me to settle down”, speaks to the enduring pull of the cowboy lifestyle, even in the face of personal desires.
The music itself is a perfect complement to the lyrics. The driving rhythm and twangy guitar create a sense of movement and energy, while the steel guitar adds a touch of melancholy. The harmonies between Ned and Chris LeDoux are particularly striking, creating a rich and textured sound.
“One Hand In The Riggin'” is more than just a song about cowboys; it’s a celebration of the American spirit. The song’s themes of independence, resilience, and the enduring appeal of the frontier have resonated with audiences for generations.
Video
Lyrics
I got bucked off down in PrescottAnd I’ve been driving half the nightDown this long and lonesome highwaySeems there ain’t no end in sightI didn’t make the short goBut if I make it to CheyenneThere’ll be another bronc to rideAnd I just might have a chance ifI keep one hand in the riggin’One hand on the wheelNo matter how far down the road I goThere’s always one more rodeoShe’d like for me to settle downAs long as I’m still livin’I’ll keep one hand on the wheelAnd one hand in the riggin’What it is that keeps me goingSometimes I just don’t knowFor all the years that I’ve spent ridingI don’t have much to showAnd while she waits there aloneHoping I’ll come back to stayBut there’s always one more mile to driveDown another lonely highwayI keep one hand in the riggin’One hand on the wheelNo matter how far down the road I goThere’s always one more rodeoShe’d like for me to settle downAs long as I’m still livin’I’ll keep one hand on the wheelAnd one hand in the riggin’So I’ll keep one hand in the riggin’One hand on the wheelNo matter how far down the road I goThere’s always one more rodeoShe’d like for me to settle downAs long as I’m still livin’I’ll keep one hand on the wheelAnd one hand in the riggin’I’ll keep one hand on the wheelAnd One Hand In The Riggin’