The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Hey porter hey porter would you tell me the time
How much longer will it be till we cross that Mason Dixon Line
At daylight would you tell that engineer to slow it down
Or better still just stop the train cause I want to look around
Hey porter hey porter what time did you say
How much longer will it be till I can see the light of day
When we hit Dixie tell that engineer to ring the bell
And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell
Hey porter hey porter it's gettin' light outside
This old train is puffing smoke and I have to strain my eyes
But ask that engineer if he will blow his whistle please
Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves and I feel that southern breeze
Hey porter hey porter please take my bags from me
I need nobody to tell me that we're in Tennessee
Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream
I know we're not too far from home so take it easy on the steam
Hey porter hey porter please open up the door
When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first cause I can't wait no more
Tell that engineer I said thanks a lot I didn't mind the fare
I'm gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air
How much longer will it be till we cross that Mason Dixon Line
At daylight would you tell that engineer to slow it down
Or better still just stop the train cause I want to look around
Hey porter hey porter what time did you say
How much longer will it be till I can see the light of day
When we hit Dixie tell that engineer to ring the bell
And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell
Hey porter hey porter it's gettin' light outside
This old train is puffing smoke and I have to strain my eyes
But ask that engineer if he will blow his whistle please
Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves and I feel that southern breeze
Hey porter hey porter please take my bags from me
I need nobody to tell me that we're in Tennessee
Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream
I know we're not too far from home so take it easy on the steam
Hey porter hey porter please open up the door
When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first cause I can't wait no more
Tell that engineer I said thanks a lot I didn't mind the fare
I'm gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air
Lyrics submitted by ButNeverOutgunned
Hey Porter Lyrics as written by Johnny Cash
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.