Fate I Can't Outrun
Escaping Fate: A Rambler's Journey
Lyrics
This train rolls on through the black of night
This train represents the journey of life, continuing through challenges symbolized by the black of night.
Haulin' that rock of anthracite
Hauling anthracite, a type of coal, signifies carrying the burdens or responsibilities of life.
Rollin' away, no end in sight
The journey seems endless, with no clear destination in sight.
Through hills carved out with dynamite
Describes the tough terrain faced in life, shaped by explosive challenges (dynamite).
I was born a rambler's son
Personal background, being the son of a wanderer or adventurer.
Raised on God with Grandad's gun
Upbringing involved a mix of faith (God) and a sense of protection (Grandad's gun).
Now I ride west into the sun
Heading towards the west, possibly seeking a better future.
To escape a fate I can't outrun
Expressing a desire to escape from an unavoidable destiny.
No I ain't no plains cowboy
Denies being a typical cowboy of the plains, but still part of a solitary journey (convoy).
But I roll along, this lone convoy
Continuing the journey alone, facing challenges in various bars for employment.
I beg many a barroom to employ
Struggling for a living but persistently moving on for the sake of Illinois.
But I roll along for Illinois
Reiteration of commitment to the journey for Illinois.
Yeah, I roll along for Illinois
Reaffirms dedication to the journey's purpose (Illinois).
The Devil runs close beside me here
Symbolizes the constant presence of challenges or temptations (Devil) in the journey.
As the prairie wind sifts through my hair
The prairie wind and memories of someone (her) haunt the traveler.
As the ghost of her, she chills the air
The haunting memories manipulate the traveler's state of mind.
She takes advantage of my mind's warfare
Emphasizes the impact of psychological struggles in the journey.
She takes advantage of my mind's warfare
Reiterates the psychological challenges faced by the traveler.
No I ain't no plains cowboy
Restates the non-cowboy identity while still part of a solitary journey.
But I roll along, this lone convoy
Continues the challenging journey, seeking employment in bars.
I beg many a barroom to employ
Persistence in the journey for the sake of Illinois.
But I roll along for Illinois
Reaffirms commitment to the journey for Illinois.
Yeah, I roll along for Illinois
Reiteration of dedication to the journey's purpose (Illinois).
Yeah
Indicates a transition or a significant point in the narrative.
Will I tire of the road?
Raising a question about the endurance of the traveler on the road.
There'll always be a hunger, this I know
Acknowledges an eternal yearning or desire to explore, akin to running with buffalo on the plains.
To run the plains with the buffalo
Expresses a connection to nature and a desire for freedom.
A rambler's son so far from home, A rambler's son so far from home
Repeats the idea of being a wanderer's child far from home.
No I ain't no plains cowboy
Restates the non-cowboy identity but emphasizes the continued solitary journey.
But I roll along, this lone convoy
Perseverance in the challenging journey, seeking employment in bars.
I beg many a barroom to employ
Continued determination in the journey for Illinois.
Now, my soul runs free like the Iroquois
Freedom and liberation of the soul, drawing parallels to the Iroquois.
Yeah, my soul sings free like the Iroquois.
Reiterates the liberated state of the soul, echoing the spirit of the Iroquois.
I was born a rambler's son
Repetition of being a wanderer's child, emphasizing roots and upbringing.
Raised on God and Grandad's Gun
Recalls the mix of faith and protection in the upbringing.
Now I ride west into the sun
Continues the westward journey into the unknown.
To escape a fate I can't outrun
Reaffirms the desire to escape an inescapable fate in the journey.
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