Steel Rail Blues
Journey of Longing: Homeward Bound on the Big Steel Rail
Lyrics
Well, I got my mail late last night
Receiving mail late at night, likely from someone special.
A letter from a girl who found the time to write
A girl took the time to write a letter to a lonely boy.
to a lonesome boy somewheres in the night.
Expressing the loneliness of the recipient.
She sent me a railroad ticket, too,
The girl sent a railroad ticket, symbolizing an invitation or opportunity.
to take me to her lovin' arms.
Invitation to join her with love, portrayed as "lovin' arms."
The big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love.
The narrator anticipates going home on a train, expressing excitement about reuniting with a loved one.
Well I've been out here many long days.
Describing a prolonged period of searching for a place to belong.
I haven't found a place that I could call my own,
Unable to find a suitable place to call home.
not a two bit bed to lay my body on.
Struggling with poor living conditions.
I been stood up I been shot down
Having faced various disappointments and setbacks.
I been dragged into the sand.
Referencing a difficult situation, possibly a conflict or challenge.
The big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love.
Reiteration of the desire to return home on the "big steel rail."
Well I been uptight most every night
Feeling stressed or anxious most nights.
walkin' along the streets of this old town.
Walking alone in a town with no one to share troubles with.
Not a friend around to tell my troubles to.
Expressing loneliness and lack of companionship.
My good old car she done broke down
The narrator's car is broken down, adding to the challenges.
'cause I drove it into the ground.
Car has been used extensively and is now in disrepair.
The big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love.
Reiterating the anticipation of going home on the train.
Well I look over yonder across the plain,
Observing the train wheels in the distance, building anticipation.
the big drive wheels are poundin' along the ground.
Describing the sound and movement of the train wheels.
Gonna get on board, and I'll be homeward bound.
Expressing the desire to board the train and head home.
Now I ain't had a home cooked meal,
Not having had a home-cooked meal, indicating a longing for domestic comfort.
but lord I need one now.
Expressing a need for a home-cooked meal.
The big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love.
Reiteration of the train as the means to return home to a loved one.
Now here I am with my hat in hand,
The narrator is now asking for help, standing on the highway.
standin' on the broad highway will you give a ride
Seeking a ride from someone on the highway.
to a lonesome boy who missed the train last night?
Describing the narrator as a lonesome boy who missed the train.
I went in town for one last round,
The narrator went into town for one last round.
and I gambled my ticket away.
Gambling away the train ticket, losing the opportunity to go home.
The big steel rail won't carry me home to the one I love.
The consequence of losing the ticket and the realization that the train won't carry the narrator home.
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