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The Calling Lyrics
Johnny took the 4:05 and he rode it
Rode it down the line
He did not know that the ghost of Charlie Christian
Was riding too
That's when he got the feeling
Felt his soul and spirit rise
Closed his eyes and saw a vision
And he was sanctified
He said,
"I have heard a calling
I have heard a calling
I have heard it in the night
And I stood under the light of the calling."
Somebody brushed him on the shoulder
He felt a chill run right down his spine
He did not know that the ghost of Charlie Christian
was riding too
(riding too)
But that's when he got the feeling
[With?] the music coming up from the back
Heard the sound of fingers on steel
And a wheel upon a track
(Chorus)
He said,
"I have heard a calling
I can heard a calling
Like a priest or a missionary
I am only following the calling."
Following the calling....
Rode it down the line
He did not know that the ghost of Charlie Christian
Was riding too
Felt his soul and spirit rise
Closed his eyes and saw a vision
And he was sanctified
"I have heard a calling
I have heard a calling
I have heard it in the night
And I stood under the light of the calling."
He felt a chill run right down his spine
He did not know that the ghost of Charlie Christian
was riding too
(riding too)
[With?] the music coming up from the back
Heard the sound of fingers on steel
And a wheel upon a track
"I have heard a calling
I can heard a calling
Like a priest or a missionary
I am only following the calling."
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Charlie Christian was a jazz guitarist. He died in 1942 at 25. I think this is who Marc Cohn was referring to as he references musicians often in his lyrics.