Look out, Mama, there's a white boat coming up the river
With a big red beacon, and a flag, and a man on the rail
I think you'd better call John
'Cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
And it's less than a mile away
I hope they didn't come to stay
It's got numbers on the side and a gun
And it's making big waves

Daddy's gone, my brother's out hunting in the mountains
Big John's been drinking since the river took Emmy-Lou
So the Powers That Be left me here to do the thinkin'
And I just turned twenty-two
I was wondering what to do
And the closer they got
The more those feelings grew

Daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassuring
He told me, Red means run, son, numbers add up to nothing
But when the first shot hit the docks I saw it coming
Raised my rifle to my eye
Never stopped to wonder why
Then I saw black
And my face splashed in the sky

Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger
Think of me as one you'd never figured
Would fade away so young
With so much left undone
Remember me to my love
I know I'll miss her


Lyrics submitted by kevver

Powderfinger Lyrics as written by Neil Young

Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Hipgnosis Songs Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Powderfinger song meanings
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    My Interpretation

    "Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger"

    In this context, I associate the word "protect" with "cover". "22" finds disillusionment after making the decision to raise a gun and pull the trigger. His naive faith is now gone. Although he once was the one last "innocent" in his family, he now joins the ranks of "adulthood", saying goodbye to childhoods' end. "22's" wish to remain among society's inncocent is gone, and that split second decision is a regretful one. He can't believe the thought even crossed his mind and is now in regret of his actions.

    True adulthood leaves a bitter taste on us. But, it is a 'taste' that we all much swallow, nonetheless. The world awaits us all. We cannot remain "22" forever.

    StevenPascalion January 02, 2015   Link

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