Alison Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer… Read Full Bio ↴Alison Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer, songwriter and fiddler. Signed to Rounder Records as a 14-year-old fiddler from Champaign, Illinois, she has become the most recognized face in contemporary bluegrass, a critically acclaimed artist who has brought modern sophistication to the genre while respecting its traditions. Songfacts reports that in 2011 Krauss recorded her first ever number one country album in her home country with Paper Airplane. She has also sold upwards of 11 million records and garnered 2 Oscar nominations as well as 26 Grammy® Awards, the most for any female artist in Grammy® history.

Also impressive is Krauss's unwavering commitment to being an independent-label artist who has succeeded far beyond the scope of many major-label artists. She has circulated freely within pop, mainstream country and roots music circles, as a solo artist and with her long-time band Union Station, creating impeccably produced records that appeal to an equally wide-ranging and inquisitive audience. Krauss has continued doing things the old-fashioned way: following her heart and whatever path the music takes her on.

Steel Rails
Alison Krauss Lyrics

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Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

It's not the first time I've found myself alone and known
If I really had you once, then I'd have you when I'm gone
Whistle blows, blowin' lonesome in my mind

Calling me along that never ending metal line

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Sun is shining, through the open boxcar door
Lying in my mind with the things I've known before
I've lost count of the hours, days, and nights
The rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in my mind

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alison Krauss’s song Steel Rails can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, it speaks to the ways in which we distract ourselves from the past and keep moving forward. The steel rails represent the physical pathway upon which the singer is travelling, but also symbolize the emotional journey that we all must undertake as we navigate through life. The singer acknowledges that she doesn't know what lies ahead, but she is willing to chase the sunshine around the bend, winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind.

The singer seems to have experienced heartbreak and loss, and may even be hoping to find someone or something that she has lost along the way. Despite this, she is trying to look forward rather than backward, trying to focus on the potential of the future instead of dwelling on the past. The never-ending metal line of the railroad keeps calling her forward, and she acknowledges that she doesn’t know what her destination will be. However, she persists in her journey, with the rhythm of the rails keeping the motion in her mind.

Overall, Steel Rails speaks to the human experience of facing the unknown future while grappling with the weight of the past. It acknowledges the bittersweet nature of life, but also upholds the hope that there is always something new and exciting ahead, if we keep moving forward.

Line by Line Meaning

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
The train tracks represent a journey through life, with the sun (opportunities) always just out of reach.

Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
The scenic route is unpredictable and full of twists and turns, yet beautiful nonetheless.

I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
The future is uncertain, but the singer is okay with that and focused on the present moment.

Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back
To avoid dwelling on the past, the artist stays focused on moving forward and embracing new experiences.

It's not the first time I've found myself alone and known
The artist is familiar with loneliness and has learned to cope with it.

If I really had you once, then I'd have you when I'm gone
The memory of a lost love lives on, giving the singer comfort and strength during tough times.

Whistle blows, blowin' lonesome in my mind
The sound of the train's whistle serves as a reminder of the singer's isolation and longing.

Calling me along that never ending metal line
The train tracks are both a physical and metaphorical path to follow through life, leading to unknown destinations.

Sun is shining, through the open boxcar door
Despite the challenges of the journey, there are moments of beauty and hope to be found.

Lying in my mind with the things I've known before
The artist reflects on past experiences, both positive and negative, and how they've shaped who they are today.

I've lost count of the hours, days, and nights
The passage of time has become blurred and insignificant during the journey.

The rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in my mind
The repetitive nature of the train ride and the sound of the tracks help soothe the artist's restless thoughts and give them a sense of purpose.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUISA BRANSCOMB

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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