During 2018, frontman Ian Thornley would release several clips of a new song that Big Wreck was working on, that being Locomotive. Locomotive would see its full single release on February 22, 2019.
Locomotive would prove a success, peaking at #6 and staying on the Canadian charts for 32 weeks straight.
Locomotive would also be the first to not feature longtime and founding guitarist Brian Doherty, and would instead have Ian Thornley on guitar.
Locomotive
Big Wreck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like burning embers in my head
Well, as the sky was turning red
Got a feel what lies ahead
Oh, what would I do without you now
'Cause you're always the first to know
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road
Well, tuck your babies in their beds
Drown your day with Walker Red
Oh, but there's still so far to go
Cut the ties and forge ahead
Oh, what could I do without you now
'Cause you're always the first to go
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Forever and ever
Oh, just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road!
If it rises, it falls
Echo through music halls
If it rises, it falls
Some we won't rise at all!
Oh, what would I do without now
You're always the first to know
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Forever and ever
Oh, just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road
Oh, it's like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road!
And what rises must fall
The song "Locomotive" by Big Wreck seems to be an introspective composition about moving forward, letting go of the past, and facing the future with someone who is always there to support and guide the singer. The song opens with the singer reflecting on something that was said to him, and how it haunts him like "burning embers in [his] head." He realizes that he cannot do without the person who is always there for him, acknowledging the hardships that come with living, but also the hope that comes with moving on. The refrain, "just like a locomotive, we are the heavy load," is a metaphorical representation of the struggles we face in our lives, but also highlights the perseverance and strength we need to keep going.
Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges the difficulties, making reference to the "far to go" and the ties he needs to cut. He recognizes that life is not perfect, but he is determined to move forward, leaving the past behind, and trusting in the future. The final verse affirms this idea that life has its ups and downs: "If it rises, it falls, echo through music halls. Some we won't rise at all." The song seems to be a message of hope and resilience, no matter what the future holds.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I still remember what was said
The memory of a conversation is still vivid and in my mind.
Like burning embers in my head
The memory feels intense and unforgettable.
Well, as the sky was turning red
A moment in time is being described, possibly a sunset or sunrise.
Got a feel what lies ahead
There is a sense of anticipation for the future.
Oh, what would I do without you now
The person being addressed is important and valuable to the artist.
'Cause you're always the first to know
The person being addressed is someone the singer trusts and confides in.
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
The singer reflects on the constant changes and progress of the world.
Forever and ever and ever
The idea of eternity or timelessness is emphasized.
Just like a locomotive
The artist compares themselves or something they identify with to a powerful train engine.
Well, we are the heavy load
The artist feels burdened or weighed down by something.
Lay the past out in the road
The singer suggests leaving behind old memories or issues in order to move forward.
Well, tuck your babies in their beds
A domestic scene is being described, possibly a parent putting their children to bed.
Drown your day with Walker Red
The singer suggests using alcohol to cope with life's stresses.
Oh, but there's still so far to go
The path ahead still feels long and daunting.
Cut the ties and forge ahead
The singer encourages breaking away from things that hold them back and moving forward.
If it rises, it falls
The artist reflects on the cyclical nature of life.
Echo through music halls
The power of music to convey messages or emotions is highlighted.
Some we won't rise at all!
A bleak realization that not everyone will succeed or overcome obstacles.
Oh, just like a locomotive
The singer again compares themselves or something they identify with to a powerful train engine.
Well, we are the heavy load
The burdens or challenges being faced are emphasized.
Lay the past out in the road!
The idea of leaving the past behind is reiterated.
And what rises must fall
The cyclical nature of life is again emphasized.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ian Thornley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Fragarbai
I’m late replying here, I see your comment was a year ago but I was wondering if you can you recall which video it was that Rick Beato was talking about Ian/Big Wreck?
I’m a huge fan for a long time of Ian and Big Wreck and also I’ve been following Rick Beato’s work for a little over a year now. If you get this reply, I’d be grateful if you could let me know.
Thanks Grey Beard.
Edit: I just found that video on Rick Beato’s channel. The video is titled: My Top 10 favourite guitarists on Instagram.
P.S. I’m happy to hear you found and like Big Wreck. As you’re aware Ian is a great artist, song writer and singer and the rest of the band are excellent as well. Ian is Canadian, they’re quite popular here in Canada, I’ve been following them since they began in the 90’s and I’ve seen them several times live. They’re great live as I guess you already know and they get better every time I see them.
If you’ve read this comment,
Cheers Grey Beard
Williwaw
Well, I still remember what was said
Like burning ambers in my head
Well, as the sky was turning red
Got a feel what lies ahead
Oh, what would I do without you now
'Cause you're always the first to know
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Forever and ever and ever
Just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road
Well, tuck your babies in their beds
Drown your day with Walker Red
Oooh, but there's still so far to go
Cut the ties and forge ahead
Oh, what could I do without you now
'Cause you're always the first to go
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Forever and ever
Oh, just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road!
If it rises, it falls
Echo through music halls
If it rises, it falls
Some we won't rise at all!
Oh, what would I do without now
You're always the first to know
Would you believe the world keeps rollin'
Forever and ever
Oh, just like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road
Oh, it's like a locomotive
Well, we are the heavy load
Oh, just like a locomotive
Lay the past out in the road!
And what rises must fall .
spacecowboy2k
Easily the most underrated band in the world. Easily. Ian is a force of nature as a frontman.
Lignum Metallum Sonus
He has a strong voice I will say that
Cameron Reyno
I just saw them this weekend in my hometown for the first time and I was BLOWN WIDE OPEN
steele torgyik
When you have chris Cornells voice you can do anything
Jordan Duckworth
Couldn't of said it better my self.
Lance
Don't forget Ween as "the most underrated" if those two bands toured together...😁
Silly Goose
this band should be playing to bigger crowds. it's beneath their talent honestly to be playing bars. they belong in ampitheatres.
Spencer Kaufman
They are on of Canadas secret joys, fuck, they rule.
Spencer Kaufman
Saw them in a small ass venue in Thunder Bay ON a few months ago, was such an amazing intimate and rockin experience.
rightfootracers
i agree, they played at our historic theatre in saint john, canada. the sound was incredible!