Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

When Ricky Van Shelton released Keep It Between the Lines in 1991, it wasn’t just another chart-topping country hit — it was a heartfelt reminder about life’s quiet lessons. Written by Russell Smith and Kathy Louvin, the song tells the story of a father teaching his young son how to drive, but beneath the surface, it’s about so much more. The “lines” aren’t just on the road — they’re the boundaries, values, and principles that guide us through life. Ricky’s warm, steady voice wraps around the lyrics like a reassuring hand on the shoulder, making every listener feel like they’re in that front seat, hearing the advice firsthand. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you: simple at first, but the more you listen, the deeper it cuts. Over the years, Keep It Between the Lines has become one of Ricky’s most beloved songs, not only for its tender storytelling but for how it captures a truth we all know — the people who love us most don’t just tell us how to live, they ride along for the journey, making sure we don’t drift too far.

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Introduction

In the early ’90s, Ricky Van Shelton had already carved out a place as one of country music’s most heartfelt voices. But when “Keep It Between the Lines” hit the airwaves in 1991, it didn’t just climb the charts — it touched the hearts of parents, children, and anyone who’d ever been guided through life’s winding roads by someone they love. At its core, the song is a father’s gentle advice to his child, wrapped in the warm steel and fiddle of traditional country.

About the Composition

  • Title: Keep It Between the Lines
  • Songwriters: Kathy Louvin, Russell Smith
  • Release Date: June 17, 1991
  • Album: Backroads
  • Genre: Country

Background

Released as the fourth single from Ricky Van Shelton’s Backroads album, “Keep It Between the Lines” became his eighth and final No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It resonated instantly because it wasn’t just a song — it was a life lesson set to music. At the time, Shelton was known for his ability to combine a pure country sound with storytelling that felt both personal and universal.

Musical Style

The track is classic early ’90s country — steady drums, warm acoustic guitar, and a pedal steel that glides like a long stretch of highway. Shelton’s baritone voice is the anchor: calm, reassuring, and full of quiet conviction. The melody moves with an easy grace, making the song feel like a Sunday afternoon drive.

Lyrics/Libretto

Lyrically, “Keep It Between the Lines” uses the metaphor of driving to talk about life’s journey. The father figure in the song offers advice — not in a preachy way, but with the understanding that the child will one day have to steer on their own. Lines like “It’s a fine line between wrong and right” carry weight because they’re delivered with sincerity, not judgment.

Performance History

Upon its release, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming a staple of Ricky Van Shelton’s live shows. Fans often shared their own stories of how the song reminded them of advice from their parents or grandparents, making it one of his most emotionally connective hits.

Cultural Impact

While it didn’t cross into mainstream pop culture, “Keep It Between the Lines” has remained a beloved track among traditional country fans. It’s been used in tribute videos, played at weddings, and even quoted in graduation speeches — proof that its message still lands decades later.

Legacy

Today, “Keep It Between the Lines” stands as a reminder of Ricky Van Shelton’s gift: the ability to sing about simple truths in a way that feels timeless. The advice in the song is as relevant now as it was in 1991 — maybe even more so in a world that moves faster than ever.

Conclusion

If you’ve never heard “Keep It Between the Lines”, find a quiet moment, press play, and let it take you back to the voice of someone who loved you enough to guide you — but trusted you enough to let go. Ricky Van Shelton didn’t just sing a song; he gave us a roadmap for life.

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

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