Réponse :

Bonjour,

The common points between the man, the stallion and the woman are freedom, independence and strength.

The relation between the man and the stallion is characterized  by respect and brotherhood. The man will steal the stallion in order to « one day… saddle up and ride » He wants to be trusted by the stallion as he offers freedom at the end of the ride.

Between the man and the woman, the relation is characterized by man’s domination. The man won’t steal her ,( like he will for the stallion ) he will find one. As if women were objects. But he promises to offer her freedom too. They ‘ll « saddle up and ride » .

The American value celebrated is freedom. The chorus repeating « we’ re gonna ride » three times underlines the dreams he has, his motivation for adventure.The man believes in his country where he thinks everything is possible. He also believes in his good fortune whatever happens. He then takes risks and he is aware of it. They ( him, the woman and the stallion ) will «  ride like the one-eyed jack of diamonds with the devil close behind » . This image of a playing card represents the danger of any game. When you play you can either win or lose. To reach freedom he will play the game and ride away .

The meaning of « I’m / we’re/ gonna ride » isn’t exactly the same as « I’ ll ride again » in American Remains. They both have a future meaning but, in this song, the uses of present continuous underlines the fact that the man has the intention to ride. He talks about his plan, his intention for the future and he is ready for it.

In the song «  American Remains » the last sentence « I’ ll ride again » expresses that he has taken the decision to ride in the future as a conclusion of what he went through.

Explications :

the one-eyed jack of diamonds = la carte valet de carreau ( représente ici les jeux de cartes .. les westerns ... )