Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Carolina Blues
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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Trying to make a train by sunrise gonna have to run a red light
Tangling with my Carolina you know the girl kept me up all night
And when my Carolina throw down you know the girl knows how to fight
Don't think we're gonna make it there's nothing else that anyone can do
Don't think we're gonna make it there's nothing else that anyone can say
Almost got the feeling that Carolina's liking it that way
I'm waiting on the train man, to wait and take the pain away
All aboard
All aboard
All aboard
All aboard
Wait for me
Wait for me
Wait for me
Wait for me
Train man kept his promise gonna try and go on back to bed
Train man kept his promise gonna try and go on back to bed
Can't sleep anyway thinking 'bout what my Carolina said
And oh my Carolina running like a freight train through my head
The song "Carolina Blues" by Blues Traveler is about a man in love with Carolina, a woman who keeps him up all night and always knows how to fight. The singer and his lover are trying to catch a train by sunrise, but they might end up missing it. There is a sense of urgency in the lyrics, as they have to run a red light to make it to the train on time. Despite their efforts, they are not sure they will make it on time. However, the singer seems to be comforted by the idea of waiting for the train, which he hopes will take the pain away.
The song is not simply about catching a train, but it's also about feeling trapped by love. The singer is overwhelmed by the intensity of his feelings for Carolina, which makes him feel like he is on a "freight train". Additionally, there is a sense of danger in the song, as they have to run a red light, and Carolina is described as being able to fight. The chorus of "Wait for me" suggests that the singer is desperate to catch the train and escape from his feelings for Carolina, but he is not sure if he will be able to.
Overall, "Carolina Blues" is a song that captures the excitement and urgency of being in love, while also acknowledging the fear and vulnerability that come with that experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Trying to make a train by sunrise gonna have to run a red light
I am in a rush to catch the train early in the morning, and I might have to break a traffic signal to make it on time.
Tangling with my Carolina you know the girl kept me up all night
I spent the entire night with my lover from North Carolina, and it was so enthralling that I could not sleep.
And when my Carolina throw down you know the girl knows how to fight
My Carolina is fierce, and I know she can stand up for herself when needed.
Don't think we're gonna make it there's nothing else that anyone can do
I am not sure if I will be able to catch the train, and there is nothing more I or anyone else can do about it.
Almost got the feeling that Carolina's liking it that way
I have a suspicion that Carolina might be enjoying making me anxious about missing the train.
I'm waiting on the train man, to wait and take the pain away
I am hoping for the train to arrive and provide a diversion to take my mind off Carolina and the stress of catching the train.
Wait for me
I am asking the train to wait for me to board before leaving the station.
Train man kept his promise gonna try and go on back to bed
The train conductor reassured me that he will wait, so now I can go back to bed.
Can't sleep anyway thinking 'bout what my Carolina said
Although I am back in bed, I still cannot sleep as I am preoccupied with my thoughts about Carolina.
And oh my Carolina running like a freight train through my head
Carolina is on my mind like an unstoppable freight train that cannot be stopped.
All aboard
A call to all passengers to board the train.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CHAN KINCHLA, JOHN C. POPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind