Led by Shirley, the original group which came to the attention of Atlantic president Rick Blackburn, consisted of guitarist Michael Lamb, Gates Nichols on pedal steel, keyboard player Chris McDaniel, Wayne Secrest on bass and Mark DuFresne on drums. Lamb left the group in 1995 and was replaced by Jimmy Dormire.
Despite Confederate Railroad's outward appearance as a tougher-than-leather Southern rock band, it was a reflective ballad which spoke of two old reliable loves which vaulted the group into stardom. "Jesus and Mama" entered the country chart during the warm months of 1992, and hit the Top Five that autumn.
Borrowed Time
Confederate Railroad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a restless renegade that can't be tied
I am gambler a dangerous rambler
Keep these steel wheels rollin' and a six string by my side
Gotta bottle by my bed
To drown the voices in my head
That try to steer me clear of doin' wrong
You're gonna get burned one day
Hell, I already feel a heat wave comin' on
[Chorus]
I know I'm livin' on borrowed time
Livin' like a rebel playin' outlaw music
Havin' the time of my life
Better lock me up throw away the key
If you call that a crime
'Cause that's the way I'll do it till I die
Livin' on borrowed time
There's ain't no lady that could ever save me
Made myself a vow that I'd never cross that line
It might be a mistake, that's just the path I take
But there's room for two if you want to take the ride
[Chorus]
The lyrics of the song Borrowed Time by Confederate Railroad is a confession of a drifter who lives his life on the edge, always on the run, and chasing after the next high. The persona in the song has no interest in settling down and is a self-proclaimed outlaw who always does things his way, even if it meant getting into trouble. He sings about his restless, wanderlust-filled life, always on the move, chasing after the thrill that comes with his vagabond ways. He has no interest in conforming to societal norms or settling down with a woman who could "save" him.
The persona acknowledges that his choices might be wrong, and he may be playing with fire by living his life to the fullest, but he is not afraid to take the risk. He is aware that he may be living on borrowed time and that one day his choices may catch up with him. However, he remains unrepentant and declares that he will continue to live his life to the fullest, irrespective of the consequences. He believes that his life is like an open book, and he is the author, and he is the one in control of his destiny.
Overall, the song portrays a free-spirit living life on his own terms, challenging authority, and not willing to be tied down by anyone or anything.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been a drifter most all my life
Throughout my life, I have never found a place to settle down and have wandered from place to place.
Just a restless renegade that can't be tied
I am a rebellious person who cannot be contained or controlled by anyone.
I am gambler a dangerous rambler
I enjoy taking risks and living life dangerously.
Keep these steel wheels rollin' and a six string by my side
I always keep moving and playing music is important to me.
Gotta bottle by my bed
I keep a bottle of liquor close by to numb the voice of reason in my mind.
To drown the voices in my head
The voices in my head remind me of what I should and should not do, and I try to silence them with alcohol.
That try to steer me clear of doin' wrong
The voices in my head remind me of morally right and wrong actions, but I do not always listen to them.
If you play with fire they say
People say if you engage in dangerous actions, you will suffer the consequences.
You're gonna get burned one day
You will eventually face the negative consequences of your actions.
Hell, I already feel a heat wave comin' on
I am aware of the dangers of my actions, but I cannot deny the excitement I feel about continuing them.
I know I'm livin' on borrowed time
I am aware that I am taking risks that may lead to a shortened life.
Livin' like a rebel playin' outlaw music
I live my life as a rebel, breaking societal norms, and creating music outside the mainstream.
Havin' the time of my life
Despite the risks, I am enjoying life to the fullest, doing what makes me happy.
Better lock me up throw away the key
Some would say I am making poor choices, and they would like to see me locked away for them.
If you call that a crime
To some, my way of living is a crime against society or morality.
'Cause that's the way I'll do it till I die
I will continue to live my life on my own terms until I die.
There's ain't no lady that could ever save me
No woman could change who I am or the way I live my life.
Made myself a vow that I'd never cross that line
I have promised myself not to do anything that goes against my personal beliefs or values.
It might be a mistake, that's just the path I take
I acknowledge that my choices may not be the best, but I cannot help but continue on this path.
But there's room for two if you want to take the ride
I am open to having someone join me on my journey, but they must accept and embrace my way of living.
Livin' on borrowed time
I am knowingly and willingly taking risks that may lead to a shorter life.
Lyrics © BREWMAN PRODUCTIONS,INC. D/B/A PORPOISEFUL PUBLISHING CO., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES ALLEN OTTO, STEVEN BLISS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind