Let It Ride – Bachman-Turner Overdrive | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning

Chart Performance: Pop (#23); 1974

Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne

Randy Bachman’s sudden departure from the Guess Who after the band’s American Woman was bad news for the group and good news for his brothers, with whom he’d form Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

First, however, Randy recorded a solo album, then put together Brave Belt, which included brother Robbie. Two albums later Brave Belt was history. In 1973, Randy and Robbie were joined by Tim Bachman and former Brave Belter C.J.

“Fred” Turner in a new band. Bachman-Turner Overdrive released a couple of no-show singles and a self-titled gold-selling album in 1973 before Blue Collar crawled to #68 on the Hot 100. The band opened 1974 with Let It Ride from Bachman-Turner Overdrive II.

Composed by Bachman and Turner, with Turner taking a turn on vocals, Let It Ride powered its way to #23 and set the stage for BTO’s breakthrough one-two punch: Takin’ Care Of Business and You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.

This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.

Produced by:

  • Randy Bachman

Lyrics Written by:

  • Randy Bachman
  • Fred Turner

Check Out all the Song Meanings of the 70s
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Ed Osborne

Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).