The Trinity Session is perhaps their best known record, recorded live in a single day on a single microphone in a church in Toronto. This album also included a unique cover version of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane". Reed reportedly liked the Junkies' version of the song better than his own, and began performing their version in concert.
None of the band's subsequent albums have been hits outside of Canada, although the band has maintained a dedicated following and have continued to have chart hits in their native country. Following their 1998 album Miles from Our Home, Cowboy Junkies were dropped from their major label contract. They have continued to release albums on their own independent label, Latent Records.
Cowboy Junkies Lament
Cowboy Junkies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breathin' real heavy
Said the boys in the alley
Wouldn't leave her alone
Mama did her make-up in a terrible hurry
She finally got ready
But the boys were gone
Mama don't you worry,
There's a hole in heaven
Where some sin slips through
Just close your eyes and dream real steady
Maybe just a little will spill on you
Dark don't lie
Dreams come true
Could be a few will see you through
Old lady Rose, lookin' down her nose
At lonely Miss Lily hiding in the hall
Lily's just praying for the trial to be over
Lady Rose just waiting for the axe to fall
Show me off on the way to town
The sky's still shiny
And the earth's still brown
Tell the judge I'm ready for the vases
Gonna dance in their faces
When the guitar sounds
Won't be long
I won't be gone
Been leaning toward the shadows all along
Those in the know say so it goes
You plan on reapin', you better sow
You plan on sleepin',
You better keep movin'
Sleepin' ain't allowed around here,
You know
Snake eyes cry
Boxcars sigh
Seven's stuck in the middle
Just wonderin' why
Dark don't lie
Dreams come true
All it takes is one or two
Maybe just a few will see you through
The lyrics of Cowboy Junkies Lament by Cowboy Junkies narrate different stories of women from different walks of life. The song is a reflection of the female experiences of struggle, heartache, and hope. The first verse describes a woman, who after being harassed by men, comes home exhausted. Her mother tries to reassure her that everything will be alright and that there is always hope in life, even in the darkest of times. The second verse depicts a scene where two women have differing perspectives on the same situation - one is hiding and praying for the end of the trial, while the other is bravely facing it, saying that she will dance in the faces of those who accuse her.
The chorus of the song is a message of optimism for those who are experiencing hardships. It says that the dark times only last so long, that dreams will come true if one has faith and that even if just a little bit of good can spill on someone, it can be a hopeful sign. The third verse is a message to those who seek to succeed in life, suggesting that one must be smart and analytical in their decision making, and always have a plan of action, otherwise, one may end up in dire straits.
Overall, the song Cowboy Junkies Lament offers a balanced message of hope and realism that encourages listeners to keep pushing. The lyrics are poignant, and the melody is equally as emotive, making the song a timeless ode to the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby hit the back door
A person came to the back door in a hurry
Breathin' real heavy
The person coming to the back door was out of breath
Said the boys in the alley wouldn't leave her alone
The person who came to the back door was being followed by boys in the alley who she wanted to avoid
Mama did her make-up in a terrible hurry
The mother is hurrying to apply makeup
She finally got ready, but the boys were gone
After the mother finished getting ready, the boys had left
Mama don't you worry, night's approachin'
The mother is being told not to worry as night is approaching
There's a hole in heaven, where some sin slips through
There is an opening in heaven where some sins are allowed
Just close your eyes and dream real steady, maybe just a little will spill on you
The person is instructed to close their eyes and concentrate to receive a bit of the heaven's overflow
Dark don't lie, dreams come true
In dark times, dreams can still come true
Could be a few will see you through
A small bit of hope can help you get through a tough time
Old lady Rose, lookin' down her nose
A woman named Rose who is looking down in a judgmental manner
At lonely Miss Lily hiding in the hall
A woman named Lily who is hiding from something or someone in the hallway
Lily's just praying for the trial to be over
Lily is praying for her trial to end soon
Lady Rose just waiting for the axe to fall
Lady Rose is waiting for something bad to happen
Show me off on the way to town, the sky's still shiny, and the earth's still brown
The person wants to be shown off while going to town during the day, when the sky is bright and the ground is dry
Tell the judge I'm ready for the vases
The person is telling someone to tell the judge that they are ready for the verdict
Gonna dance in their faces when the guitar sounds
The person is going to celebrate when the guitar plays
Won't be long, I won't be gone
The person won't be absent for long
Been leaning toward the shadows all along
The person has been vaguely drawn to dark things for a long time
Those in the know say so it goes
Those who are knowledgeable say that things often go a certain way
You plan on reapin', you better sow
If you expect to reap rewards, you must first sow the seeds of hard work and dedication
You plan on sleepin', you better keep movin'
If you want to achieve a goal, you must keep working and cannot rest
Sleepin' ain't allowed around here, you know
Resting is not accepted in this environment
Snake eyes cry, boxcars sigh
Bad luck can lead to sadness and regret
Seven's stuck in the middle, just wonderin' why
The number seven is in a difficult position and is questioning its fate
All it takes is one or two, maybe just a few will see you through
A small amount of success or support can help you make it through a difficult time
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: John Townes Van Zandt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stan Styler
One of my favorite songs ever.
Toxic States Of America
This entire album is perfection.
Thomas Martin
Always loved the change in the lyrics from 'boxcars lie' to 'boxcars sigh' Never heard a boxcar sigh, but I feel i know exactly what it sounds like!
Ryan Tennyson
Sublime. Written out the chords and lyrics. Try worthy.
davidpar2
This keeps coming and going from youtube. Hope it stays this time
TwasButNowAint
Townes introduced me to this