In 1987 Kiefer had the idea to drive cross-country from LA to Savannah so he could have his new Saab while shooting the film “1969”. It sounded like a blast actually, since neither of us had ever done anything like that before. The next day we set out on our journey. Along the way we had some pretty comical situations, confrontations, bar fights etc. The photo above was in Oklahoma City along the way.
Driving from Atlanta to Savannah eventually, the night was very dark. We were surrounded by trees and forest. I thought it might be fun to turn the lights off just to see how dark it actually was, and it went pitch black. Like kids, you let go of the handlebars and hope you don’t crash. We drove as far and long as we could in total darkness until we feared running off the road or hitting a tree. Silly youth!
Anyway, that moment was the inspiration for a song of mine called “Open Road” – “Black road, Georgia trees… Midnight moon just stay with me”
A beautiful experience I doubt i’d ever be able to repeat, but glad it happened 🙂
During Covid I hit the road and took a few hour drive to Platteville, I had heard about it because that is where the Bears off season practices were. I went to Florida, Arizona, Indiana and Kentucky and Savannah as well. In the same way that you have fond thoughts of the road trip as a young man, Covid gave me that in my 40’s.
Great song and the story behind it, glad you guys didn’t drive off the road or hit a tree , driven that stretch when we go to.Hilton head every couple of years, and surely wouldn’t want to do it in the dark 😉
Great story! Glad to know where that song came from. It is one my favorites but then most of yours are. I would love to hear the story behind “Crying Mary” some time. That song has always intrigued me. Thanks again for sharing with your fans.
I’m so thrilled to hear the inspiration for this song, as it’s my favorite. I mean of all time. It used to be Walking in the Wind by Traffic. My dad was a truck driver, and the song, especially the opening lyrics, painted a picture of him for me. Behind the wheel, on a dark, lonely rural route. A bright full moon helping light the way, showing itself between the trees. It’s the last leg, and he’s calculating in his head if he’ll make it to the Ford plant on time. He’s still with me in a way, every time I hear Open Road. Thank you for all great music, but that one in particular. 🥲
Oh not what I was thinking this song was about at all. Hahaha … Love it & glad you’re still here to tell the tale .I sing & play this sometimes at gigs ( I change it to “she can take away your homesick blues), it’s one of my daughter’s favs.
My daughter and I have had traditional road trips every summer since she was young. Unfortunately, she moved a long time ago to Georgia, with her mom, and I remained in Colorado. The fallout of broken marriages (sigh) Those trips though have created so many great memories and kept us very close. I would fly into Atlanta, rent a cool car, pick her up with suitcase in tow, and we’d hit the road for Colorado…and not by the highway – State Roads, Back Roads – anything but the highway. These trips always produce great photos, memories and great music! She introduces me to the likes of Jutes, Unlike Pluto, CG5 and the better-known Imagin Dragons. …and I play 50 some years of my listening interests. Some she takes great interest in and some I totally lose her. But she will always know and appreciate newer Duran Duran, Genesis, Journey, …and Jude Cole. The song, Open Road, has always been a favorite. I memorized it the first week it was out. Now, that song has all new meaning to me and my daughter’s road trips out of Georgia. …and as always, Thank You!
Oh wow. Yes I have done some crazy things in my youth and happily never came to any harm. Wouldn’t trade any of those experiences either. Glad to know the inspiration behind those lyrics. Man you’re only young once.
A favorite for sure! Trips like that will always stay with you and bond friends with memories.
Hell on wheels …🤠 Thanks Jude for sharing this picture and story. You know I love that stuff more than anything ♥️
So Cool! One of my favorites of all time. First song I ever learned to sing while playing guitar.
Love that back story! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing Jude. Love to hear origin stories of great songs.
Best, Art Newkirk