Expert: BethB - 11/19/2009

Question
I have a memory of an 80s country song. I think the song was called "riding with the king" but not the John Haitt or B.B. King song. This song was about a man who answers an ad for an old car for sale. Turns out the car is an old Corvette in perfect shape.when the man checks out the car he finds a letter from the owner,a young man going off to the vietnam war. The letter states that whoever finds this letter would know that the young man died in Vietnam. Do you know who sang it,The year and possibly the lyrics. I have checked all over and am beginning to think I dreamed this.Thank you for any help you can give.

Answer
Hi Michael!  I think the song you're looking for is "Riding With Private Malone" by David Ball.  (The title is different from what you suggested, but the story in the song matches up.)  I've included the lyrics and a link to the video for you below.  Hope this helps!
--Beth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0gX-bipodU

Artist: David Ball
Song: Riding With Private Malone
Album: Amigo

I was just out of the service thumbing through the classifieds
When an ad that said:"Old Chevy" somehow caught my eye
The lady didn't know the year,or even if it ran
But I had that thousand dollars in my hand

It was way back in the corner of this old ramshackle barn
Thirty years of dust and dirt on that green army tarp
When I pulled the cover off,it took away my breath
What she called a Chevy was a sixty six Corvette

I felt a little guilty as I counted out the bills
But what a thrill I got when I sat behind the wheel
I opened up the glove box and that's when I found the note
The date was nineteen-sixty six and this is what it wrote:

He said,"My name is Private Andrew Malone"
"If you're reading this,then I didn't make it home"
"But for every dream that shattered,another one comes true"
"This car was once a dream of mine,now it belongs to you"
"And though you may take her and make her your own"
"You'll always be riding with Private Malone"

Well it didn't take me long at all,I had her running good
I love to hear those horses thunder underneath her hood
I had her shining lika a diamond and I'd put the rag top down
All the pretty girls would stop and stare as I drove her through town

The buttons on the radio didn't seem to work quite right
But it picked up that oldie show,especially late at night
I'd get the feeling sometimes,if I turned real quick I'd see
A soldier riding shotgun in the seat right next to me

It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
He told me to take her and make her my own
And I was proud to be riding with Private Malone

One night it was raining hard,I took the curve too fast
I still dont remember much about that fiery crash
Someone said they thought they saw a soldier pull me out
They didn't get his name, but I know without a doubt

It was a young man named Private Andrew Malone
Who fought for his country and never made it home
But for every dream that's shattered,another one comes true
This car was once a dream of his,back when it was new
I know I wouldn't be here if he hadn't tagged along
That night I was riding with Private Malone
Oh,thank God,I was riding with Private Malone