Thile began recording his first solo album in 1993, with most songs of his own composition. After two more solo albums of all original material, he teamed with mandolin master Mike Marshall for a stunning album of duets called Into the Cauldron, which included forays into jazz, world music, and Bach. In 2004 Chris released Deceiver, a departure from his earlier work which contained a variety of pop/rock/folk influenced vocal numbers. In September 2006, he released a new album entitled How to Grow a Woman from the Ground, which consisted of an extensive bluegrass band, and more traditional tracks than his previous album.
In addition, an announcement was made on the website of Nickel Creek that Thile and his band-mates would be taking an extended hiatus from the band at the end of 2007. He is currently touring with the How to Grow a Band, consisting of members Greg Garrison on bass, Noam Pikelny on banjo, Gabe Witcher on fiddle, and Bryan Sutton on guitar. With the exception of Bryan Sutton, this is the same group of musicians that appear on How to Grow a Woman from the Ground; Chris Eldridge is the guitarist on the album. In 2007 at Carnegie Hall the original quintet from How to Grow a Woman From the Ground performed many songs off of the album and debuted a four movement suite entitled "The Blind Leaving the Blind" under the name of Tensions Mountain Boys. The band changed their name to the Punch Brothers.
Brakeman's Blues
Chris Thile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
Any old place I hang my hat is, home sweet home to me
Went down to the depot and I looked up on the board
I went down to the depot and I looked up on the board
It read it's good times here, but better on down the road
Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
I'm going to get me a momma, Lord, I ain't never seen
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Standin' in my front door, wishin' to God, I was dead
The song Brakeman's Blues by Chris Thile is a blues-infused tune that speaks to the wandering spirit of a train brakeman. It is a tale that highlights the sameness of different places in America; Portland Maine and Tennessee are both equally home to the brakeman. The song also has a hint of melancholy, with the lyrics suggesting that the brakeman is always on the move, chasing "better times down the road" and searching for companionship with a "momma" he has never met.
The emotions conveyed in the song are raw and relatable for many people. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, but they hold a deeper meaning for those who have experienced the feeling of being on the move and never truly feeling at home. The line "any old place I hang my hat is home sweet home to me" speaks to the idea that home is where you make it, and that physical location is less important than the sense of belonging that one feels.
Overall, Brakeman's Blues is a bittersweet ode to the life of a railroad brakeman. It is a contemplative tune that captures the sense of restlessness and longing for connection that can come with a life on the move.
Line by Line Meaning
Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
No matter where he goes, Chris Thile feels at home
Went down to the depot and I looked up on the board
Chris Thile went to the train station and read the schedule
It read it's good times here, but better on down the road
While things were good where he was, he knows that they could be better elsewhere
Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
Chris Thile plans to travel to New Orleans for his next meal
I'm going to get me a momma, Lord, I ain't never seen
He's hoping to find a woman to be with in New Orleans
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
He wonders where his mother was when he left home
Standin' in my front door, wishin' to God, I was dead
His mother was upset about him leaving and wishes he was dead
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMIE RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind