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.
I went down to Nashville
Rode that L&N
I'd seen that pretty gal standin' there
Dropped/brought my tongue down to my chin
Cause she's so fine
I was right on time
She took me down to 2nd street
She said "I'll be right back"
I waited there for seven weeks
Then got back on the track
And now we're through
Now I'm so blue
Chorus:
Oh no, the trouble that I'm in
Good times are over I got whiskers on my chin
And there's a long lonely road, boys
I'll be travellin'
So long, tell my troubles to the wind
Way down south in Louisville
They showed me to the door
They hadn't seen a railroad bum
Since 1924
Its a rich folk's town
They don't need me 'round
The police came and got me
They took/dropped me way downtown
Guilty for this vagrancy
And now I'm prison bound
Up on the hill
In Louisville
(Chorus)
If you're ever in Birmingham
You know where I'll be found
Standin' in line at the CCC
Signin' my name down
On the dotted line
Puttin' in my dime
So put away your whiskey boys
Throw down your gamblin' cards
Quit sellin' that corn liquor boys
And sleepin' in freight yards
In every town
They'll run you down
(Chorus)
Rode that L&N
I'd seen that pretty gal standin' there
Dropped/brought my tongue down to my chin
Cause she's so fine
I was right on time
She took me down to 2nd street
She said "I'll be right back"
I waited there for seven weeks
Then got back on the track
And now we're through
Now I'm so blue
Chorus:
Oh no, the trouble that I'm in
Good times are over I got whiskers on my chin
And there's a long lonely road, boys
I'll be travellin'
So long, tell my troubles to the wind
Way down south in Louisville
They showed me to the door
They hadn't seen a railroad bum
Since 1924
Its a rich folk's town
They don't need me 'round
The police came and got me
They took/dropped me way downtown
Guilty for this vagrancy
And now I'm prison bound
Up on the hill
In Louisville
(Chorus)
If you're ever in Birmingham
You know where I'll be found
Standin' in line at the CCC
Signin' my name down
On the dotted line
Puttin' in my dime
So put away your whiskey boys
Throw down your gamblin' cards
Quit sellin' that corn liquor boys
And sleepin' in freight yards
In every town
They'll run you down
(Chorus)
Lyrics submitted by farewell2RMS
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him.
There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
This is a fun song...But I disagree about the line referring to Louisville as a rich folks' town. Heh...I live in Louisville and I'm definitely not rich! :p