49 Tons
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings Lyrics
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The boys in blue are calling my name,
Semi-automatic up on the rooftop,
They just to want to talk to me,
I told them what they wanted to hear,
The only thing that I knew:
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
Everywhere you look, there's a runaway train,
Play my heart like a bottleneck, baby,
Running up and down and pulling its strings.
Everywhere you go, everybody knows,
You're looking for someone to do.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
If I was a switchman, if I was a brakeman,
If I was an engineer,
I'd point that train on down the track
And clear on out of here.
If I was the man swinging the lantern,
I'd swing it 'til it was blue.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Couldn't drag me back to you.
The lyrics of Blackie & The Rodeo Kings's song "49 Tons" tell the tale of a man who is determined to move on from a painful past relationship. The first verse describes the singer's defiance in the face of authority - he has multiple cars and a weapon on his rooftop, and the police are after him. However, he insists that he won't be going back to his ex-lover, no matter what the police try to do. The chorus then speaks to the overall feeling of the song, which is that everywhere the singer looks, he is reminded of his past relationship - it's like a trainwreck that he can't escape. However, he insists that he won't be going back, even if he is surrounded by reminders of that relationship.
The second verse speaks to the singer's desire to leave town and start fresh. He lists off different jobs he could have on the train, but ultimately decides that he wants to be as far away from his past as possible. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's determination to move on, no matter how difficult it may be.
Overall, "49 Tons" is a song about the difficulty of moving on from a relationship, especially when reminders of that relationship are present everywhere you look. The singer asserts his independence and determination to start fresh, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.
Line by Line Meaning
There were seventeen cars out in my back yard,
My life is a mess, represented by the chaos of seventeen cars in my yard.
The boys in blue are calling my name,
The police are after me and I know it.
Semi-automatic up on the rooftop,
I'm in a dangerous situation with guns involved.
They just to want to talk to me,
The police claim they want to talk, but I'm not so sure.
I told them what they wanted to hear,
I lied to the police to get them off my back.
The only thing that I knew:
I only have one conviction: I won't go back to you.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
No matter how heavy or powerful, nothing can make me return to you.
Couldn't drag me back to you.
I'm done with you and nothing can change my mind.
Everywhere you look, there's a train wreck, baby,
Life is a mess everywhere and I'm a part of it.
Everywhere you look, there's a runaway train,
Things are out of control and I'm along for the ride.
Play my heart like a bottleneck, baby,
You treated me badly and made me feel trapped.
Running up and down and pulling its strings.
You had control over my emotions and actions.
Everywhere you go, everybody knows,
Your reputation precedes you and people are wary.
You're looking for someone to do.
You're always searching for someone to take advantage of.
If I was a switchman, if I was a brakeman,
If I had a different job or circumstance in life,
If I was an engineer,
If I had more control over things,
I'd point that train on down the track
I would make things move forward, not get stuck in the past.
And clear on out of here.
I would leave everything behind and start fresh.
If I was the man swinging the lantern,
If I had any kind of power or influence,
I'd swing it 'til it was blue.
I would use it to make things right or at least better.
Forty-nine tons of diesel locomotive
Again, nothing can make me go back to you.
Couldn't drag me back to you.
This sentiment is so important that it's repeated multiple times.
Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp.
Written by: Fred Elgersma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Valerie Rechel
Why, why only two comments 🤪?!?! I know several relationship breakups that this would so apply to. And it's also a rockin' tune. Have loved it for years.
Grace Main
Johnny Depp needs this.
Valerie Rechel
To Amber? 🤣🤣🤣
Orhidea Tulip
Cool !!!