Midnight Train
Burnette Johnny Lyrics
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I went down to the railroad, I caught myself a midnight train
I beat my way into Texas, landed in a gambling town
I got myself into trouble, I shot the county sheriff down
Oh Lord, I shot the county sheriff down
They put the handcuffs on me, tied me with a ball and chain
They took me to El Paso, they tied me with a ball and chain
These prison bars all around me, no-one to call my bail
Oh Lord, I want to get out of this jail
The jury read the verdict, murder in the first degree
The judge said, take this prisoner to the penitentiary
They put the handcuffs on me, tied me with a ball and chain
I'd left my home forever and I'll never see my gal again
Oh Lord, I'll never see my gal again
The lyrics of "Midnight Train" by Burnette Johnny tell the story of a man who leaves his lover behind and boards a train to Texas. Along the way, he finds himself in a gambling town and shoots the local sheriff. He is arrested and sent to prison, where he is filled with regret and longing for his old life. The song is a classic example of a traditional country ballad that tells a story of love, loss, and tragedy.
One interpretation of the song is that it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of leaving behind those we love in search of greener pastures. The singer of the song is filled with regret and sorrow for his actions, but it is too late to undo what he has done. The lyrics also touch on themes of justice, with the singer of the song expressing disdain for the legal system that has imprisoned him.
Interestingly, "Midnight Train" was recorded by a number of different artists in the 1950s and 60s, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The song is widely considered to be one of the early rock and roll classics that helped to shape the genre. Additionally, the song's lyrics have relevance in today's society, with many people struggling to reconcile their dreams and desires with the reality of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my gal sad and lonely, left her standing in the rain
I caused my girlfriend heartbreak when I walked away from her in the pouring rain.
I went down to the railroad, I caught myself a midnight train
I made the decision to leave and took the earliest opportunity to board a train and ditch my past.
I beat my way into Texas, landed in a gambling town
I arrived in Texas and ended up in a town with a lot of gambling activities.
I got myself into trouble, I shot the county sheriff down
I found myself in a quandary where I had no choice but to take out the county sheriff.
Oh Lord, I shot the county sheriff down
I regret killing the county sheriff, and I am seeking forgiveness from God.
They put the handcuffs on me, tied me with a ball and chain
The law caught up with me, and now I am a prisoner awaiting trial.
They took me to El Paso, they tied me with a ball and chain
I ended up in El Paso after my arrest and was restrained with a ball and chain.
These prison bars all around me, no-one to call my bail
I am trapped behind prison bars with no one to bail me out.
My heart's sad and so lonely, I want to get out of this jail
I feel immense sadness and loneliness in jail, and all I want is to leave and be free.
Oh Lord, I want to get out of this jail
I am imploring God to help me find a way out of my current predicament.
The jury read the verdict, murder in the first degree
After a trial, the jury found me guilty of first-degree murder.
The judge said, take this prisoner to the penitentiary
The judge pronounced my sentence as being sent to the penitentiary.
I'd left my home forever and I'll never see my gal again
When I walked away from my girlfriend in the rain, that was the last time I would ever see her again.
Oh Lord, I'll never see my gal again
I am mourning the fact that I have lost her forever and am asking for God's comfort.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY ROBERTSON, WILLIAM ROBERTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephen Stone
This track captivated me as a young teenager way back in the 80's, and still has the same effect on me every time I hear this song. Brilliant track by a great vocalist and band.
ᴋɪɴɢ ʙʟᴏɴᴅᴇ
The way his voice distorts through that old gear just sounds tremendous.
Theniyaal Ali
I'd love to learn and play this, but I don't think I'll be able to consume enough whiskey and heartache to do it any justice.
J Beans
+Theniyaal Ali one can never consume too much whiskey. Heartache is another story.
juan carlos juan
Buen tema. Un grupo español de los 80's hizo una versión en castellano, muy buena y con mucho ritmo r'n'r. El grupo en cuestión se llamaba "MÁS BIRRAS" ya desaparecido
manoel luiz teixeira
Bom demais. maneco-RS - Brasil.
zlostnypopolnik
I really listen to all sorts of extreme genres from rap to extreme metal, grind core, black metal, but this song is probably the best I've ever heard. However, it has one flaw, it is short.
Jimney Sweep
This is excellent
vesa pölhö
Just so perkeleen hyvä!
Soulman
Have heard it today on Rockabilly-Radio...!!!