About the song
“Keep It Between The Lines.” Released in 1991 as a single from his album Backroads, this track became a significant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a timeless testament to the simple, yet profound, advice passed down through generations, encouraging caution, integrity, and a steady approach to life’s journey.
The lyrics of “Keep It Between The Lines,” penned by John Jarrard and Bernie Nelson, are structured as a series of life lessons imparted by a father to his son, using the simple act of driving as a metaphor for navigating life itself. The advice is practical and grounded, touching on themes of honesty, humility, hard work, and responsible living. It’s a narrative about staying true to your values, avoiding extremes, and understanding that consistency and integrity are key to a well-lived life. Phrases like “Son, when you get out on the road / You’re gonna find that life’s a long, long haul” and “Keep it between the lines, son / Don’t ever lose your head” perfectly capture this blend of practical wisdom, gentle admonition, and unwavering paternal care. The song speaks to the universal human experience of receiving guidance from elders, the desire to impart wisdom to the next generation, and the understanding that fundamental principles often lead to the most fulfilling lives. It’s about the importance of a moral compass, the value of moderation, and the enduring power of a parent’s love and advice. It resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the lessons learned from their parents or strives to pass on valuable life principles to their own children.
Ricky Van Shelton’s vocal performance on “Keep It Between The Lines” is nothing short of masterful and perfectly embodies the song’s sincere and comforting spirit. His voice, with its rich, resonant baritone, its effortless phrasing, and its remarkable ability to convey both earnestness and gentle authority, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine warmth and seasoned wisdom. He doesn’t just sing the words; he inhabits the role of the wise, caring father, making the listener feel every nuance of the advice, the underlying love, and the hope for a well-guided life. There’s a perfect blend of his signature smooth delivery in the verses, painting vivid pictures of life’s challenges, building to a warm, resonant affirmation in the chorus. Shelton’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to infuse such a straightforward narrative with raw, authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral, empathetic level through the sheer honesty and breathtaking control of his voice. It is a masterclass in conveying paternal wisdom with quiet strength and undeniable tenderness.
The musical arrangement of “Keep It Between The Lines” is a pristine example of early 1990s traditional country music, meticulously crafted to serve the powerful lyrical narrative and Ricky Van Shelton’s definitive vocal. It typically features a gentle, melodic acoustic guitar that provides a warm, inviting foundation, complemented by prominent, weeping steel guitar that adds a layer of country soul and reflective warmth. A steady, unobtrusive rhythm section, with a relaxed drum beat and a melodic bassline, maintains a comforting, swaying pace, allowing Shelton’s smooth vocals and the poignant lyrics to remain front and center. The inclusion of tasteful fiddle melodies further enriches the traditional country sound, adding to the song’s wholesome feel. The instrumentation is tasteful and precise, never overpowering the voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for his emotional delivery. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Ricky Van Shelton’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable authenticity. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and universally appealing, perfectly suited for a heartfelt message of enduring guidance.
“Keep It Between The Lines” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of parental wisdom, responsible living, and the simple beauty of a guiding hand are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Ricky Van Shelton’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that further cemented his legacy as a genuine country music storyteller. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder that sometimes, the best advice is the simplest: Keep It Between The Lines.
Video
Lyrics
He was sitting beside me
In the passenger seat
As I looked through the windshield
At the quiet little street
He was smiling so proud
As he gave me the key
But inside, I knew
He was as nervous as me
I said, “Daddy, oh daddy
Are you sure I know how
Are you sure that I’m ready
To drive this car now”
He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
All you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines
‘Cause it’s a long, narrow road
Only the good Lord knows
Where it leads in the end
But you got to begin
So keep your hands on the wheel
Believe in the things that are real
Just take your time
And keep it between the lines
I was sitting in my chair
And sneaking a look at him
Lying on the floor with his coloring book
Then he caught me watching
And he climbed on my knee
He said “Daddy, oh daddy
Would you do one with me”
Then I hugged him so tightly
As we turned the page
Said, “I haven’t done this
Since I was your age”
He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
Daddy, all you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines”
So we finished the picture
And I put him to bed
Got down on my knees and I bowed my head
I said “Father, oh father, I feel so alone
Are you sure I can raise him
With his mommy gone”
Then the answer came back so gentle and low
In words of my daddy, from so long ago
He said, “I’m right here beside you
And you’re gonna do fine
All you gotta do
Is keep it between the lines”
So keep your hands on the wheel
Believe in the things that are real
Take your time, and
Keep it between the lines
Just take your time, and
Keep it between the lines
