The band's goal was to create a new style of American music, which would later be called "cowpunk." Hermann had the idea of naming the band after the traditional cowboy song, Tex Ritter's "Blood on the Saddle," that Big Al the bear sings at the Country Bear Jamboree in Disneyland. They were playing the LA club scene when in 1984 their self-titled debut album was released on The Minutemen's New Alliance (Enigma) label. The band was busy touring North America until 1986 when their second album "Poison Love" was released in America on Chameleon/Suite Beat and in Europe on Stiff UK and New Rose. Touring then expanded into Canada and Europe. In 1987 the band's third album "Fresh Blood" was released on Greg Ginn's SST label in North America and New Rose in Europe.
The original line-up broke up soon after. Bandleader Greg Davis spent the time between incarnations as a member of The Vandals and backing up country singer Candy Kane. Since then, BOTS has released "More Blood" (1993, Semaphore), "Quit Calling Me From Jail" (1994, Kill Rock Stars), "New Blood" (1995, Last Call), and "Flesh and Blood" (2001, One Million Dollar Records). The current line-up includes founder Greg Davis, Dave Frappier (who has anchored himself behind the kit since 1994), and newcomer (former Jolly Ranchers bassist) Billy Hines. The new line-up is putting the finishing touches on a new album (Blood Alcohol) and getting ready for another tour....
Freight Train
Blood on the Saddle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope that train will take me away and never come back
Away and never come back
Freight Train, Freight Train, blow your whistle, ring your bell
If I left this town, nobody'd say "fare thee well"
Nobody'd say "fare thee well"
I'd like to see the wide open world out there
Freight Train, take me away from here
Where you're going, I don't care
I feel the ground shaking so strong my heart pounds
No one can stop you, nothing can slow you down
Nothing can slow you down
Freight Train, Freight Train, going so fast
Will you drag me, ride away from the past
Ride away from the past
Freight Train, take me away from here
I'd like to see the wide open world out there
Freight Train, take me away from here
Where you're going, I don't care
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Freight Train
In this song, the singer is eagerly waiting for a train that will take them far away from their current situation, which is most likely unpleasant. They hear the train coming and hope that it will be their savior, taking them away and never coming back. They express their desire to see the world and leave their current life behind. As the train gets closer, they feel its power in the ground and in their heart, knowing that nothing can slow it down. They hope that the train will drag them away from their past and towards a better future.
The lyrics of "Freight Train" can be seen as a metaphor for the idea of escape from the difficulties of life. The train represents an escape route that will take the singer away from their problems, allowing them to start anew. At the same time, it also represents the power and speed of the external world that is out of our control.
This song has a timeless quality to it, as it speaks to the universal human desire for freedom and escape. It has been covered by many artists, including Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary. The song's simple melody and powerful lyrics have made it an enduring classic.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear a train a-coming, rolling down the track
I hear a train approaching, moving along the rails
I hope that train will take me away and never come back
I want to leave this place and never return, and I hope the train can take me far away
Freight Train, Freight Train, blow your whistle, ring your bell
Freight train, sound your horn and ring your bell
If I left this town, nobody'd say "fare thee well"
If I were to leave this place, no one would bid me farewell
Freight Train, take me away from here
I want the freight train to take me away from here
I'd like to see the wide open world out there
I want to see the vast and open world beyond where I'm currently located
Where you're going, I don't care
I don't care where the freight train is going, as long as it takes me away from here
I feel the ground shaking so strong my heart pounds
I can feel the intense rumbling of the ground, and it's causing my heart to race
No one can stop you, nothing can slow you down
The freight train cannot be stopped, and nothing can slow it down
Freight Train, Freight Train, going so fast
The freight train is moving at a high rate of speed
Will you drag me, ride away from the past
I hope the freight train can help me forget about my past and take me away from it
Freight Train, take me away from here
I want the freight train to take me far away
Where you're going, I don't care
I don't care where the freight train is going, as long as it takes me away from here
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Repeated verses to emphasize the desire to be taken away on a freight train
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Repeated verses to emphasize the desire to be taken away on a freight train
Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train, Freight Train
Repeated verses to emphasize the desire to be taken away on a freight train
Freight Train
Final emphasis on the desire to be taken away on a freight train
Writer(s): Gregory Davis
Contributed by Cameron C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sam Bradley
The guitar work is fantastic 🎸🎼
Doug Smith
A helluva lot of talent in those four. Criminally underrated. Ron and Greg are crazy good players...like monstrously good
Hermann is spot on
Annette is wonderful...just perfect
Sam Bradley
I love the country vibe that Blood On The Saddle had, sort of a cowpunk, Tex Mex vibe. 🎸🎼
Aimee B
Wonderful!
Sam Bradley
I love the mixture of humor & satire, very enjoyable. I'm also glad they didn't sell out either 😐
luv24real
Enjoying the performances, especially by Annette and Hermann.
Heather Haley
Love(d) youse! Thanks for sharing.
Trent Harrison
I just came to see if I could see the brown Marshall Clubman I bought off Greg back in late 80's - early 90's.
Sam Bradley
Annette has so much talent that has been hidden, when she left The Bangles, her talents were displayed for everyone to see & hear. 🎼🎸
Sam Bradley
@Greg Davis it's a shame that more people aren't aware of just how talented she is. 😐