Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind May 2026

The song's premise inspired a 1999 The Onion headline: "Christopher Cross Finally Reaches Mexican Border," a joke the singer reportedly loved. Christopher Cross on writing "Ride Like the Wind"

While the melody sounds breezy, the lyrics actually tell the gritty story of a condemned multiple murderer on the run from a death-by-hanging sentence, desperate to reach the Mexican border to be free again.

The song is legendary for its unmistakable backing vocals by Michael McDonald, which were added late in production to provide depth and contrast. Christopher Cross - Ride Like The Wind

Released in February 1980, was the breakout debut single that catapulted Christopher Cross into music history. Combining a driving rhythm with a smooth "yacht rock" finish, the track defined a transitional moment in music between the late '70s and the early MTV era. 🌪️ Key Trivia & Backstory

The song spent four consecutive weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 , held out of the top spot only by Blondie's "Call Me". The song's premise inspired a 1999 The Onion

Cross famously admitted to writing the lyrics while on LSD during a drive from Houston to Austin, Texas.

The album’s inner sleeve dedicated the song to Lowell George , the late frontman of Little Feat who had passed away in 1979. Released in February 1980, was the breakout debut

It was one of the first major hits recorded using the 3M Digital Recording System , giving it a "pristine" sound quality that was revolutionary at the time. 🏆 Chart & Award Legacy