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.
Powder Finger
Cowboy Junkies Lyrics
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With a big red beacon and a flag and a man on the rail
I think you'd better call John
'Cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
And it's less than a mile away, I hope they didn't come to stay
It's got numbers on the side and a gun and it's making big waves
Daddy's gone, my brother's out hunting in the mountains
So the powers that be left me here to do all the thinking
And I just turned twenty two, I was wondering what to do
And the closer they get the more those feelings grew
Daddy's rifle in my arms felt reassuring
He told me, "Red means run, son, numbers add up to nothing"
But when that first shot hit the dock, I saw it coming
Raised the rifle to my eye, never stopped to wonder why
Then I saw black and my face flashed in the sky
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me in the thought that pulled the trigger
Just think of me as one you never figured
To fade away so young, with so much left undone
Remember me, to my love, I know I'll miss her
The lyrics of Cowboy Junkies’s song Powderfinger tell a story of a young man who is left to defend his family against an incoming boat that he assumes poses a threat. The singer of this story, who has just turned twenty-two, is at home with his family when a white boat is seen coming down the river. As the boat gets closer, the singer's nervousness and fear heighten, and he begins to feel responsible for the safety of his family, as his father is no longer there and his brother is absent. The boat approaches, and the singer picks up his father's rifle, feeling reassured by it. He waits for the moment to take action and defend his family, while the boat comes closer and closer. Eventually, he sees black and his face flashes in the sky. The song's final verse asks for someone to remember the singer and pass on his memory to his loved ones.
The lyrics of Powderfinger are a statement against violence and war. They tell the story of a young man who is forced into a position of violence and is ultimately overcome by it, leaving his loved ones behind. While the song does not give specific details about the threat posed by the boat, it implies that this is a war-related situation. The presence of the gun and the emphasis on the singer’s young age speak to the idea of how war can strip individuals of their innocence and turn them into reluctant warriors.
Line by Line Meaning
Look out, Mama, there's a white boat coming down the river
I see a white boat coming down the river that does not look friendly, you should call John for help.
With a big red beacon and a flag and a man on the rail
The boat has a red beacon and flag on it, and I can see a man on the rail.
I think you'd better call John
It is urgent that you call John for help.
'Cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
I don't think this boat is here for a friendly or harmless purpose.
And it's less than a mile away, I hope they didn't come to stay
The boat is approaching fast and I'm worried about their intentions.
It's got numbers on the side and a gun and it's making big waves
The boat has numbers on the side, and I can see a gun. It's causing big waves as it approaches.
Daddy's gone, my brother's out hunting in the mountains
My father is gone, and my brother is out in the mountains hunting.
Big John's been drinking since the river took Emmy Lou
Big John has been drinking since Emmy Lou drowned in the river.
So the powers that be left me here to do all the thinking
I'm left alone to make decisions because the people in charge are not here.
And I just turned twenty two, I was wondering what to do
I recently turned twenty-two and I am unsure of what to do in this situation.
And the closer they get the more those feelings grew
As the boat gets closer, my feelings of fear and uncertainty intensify.
Daddy's rifle in my arms felt reassuring
Holding my father's rifle makes me feel safer and more confident.
He told me, "Red means run, son, numbers add up to nothing"
My father told me that when you see the color red, you should run. Numbers are meaningless in a situation like this.
But when that first shot hit the dock, I saw it coming
I saw the first shot coming when it hit the dock.
Raised the rifle to my eye, never stopped to wonder why
I instinctively raised the rifle to my eye without questioning why.
Then I saw black and my face flashed in the sky
I lost consciousness and saw black, with my face up towards the sky.
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Protect me from the violent act and the one who pulled the trigger.
Cover me in the thought that pulled the trigger
Let me be enveloped in the thought behind the violent act.
Just think of me as one you never figured
Consider me someone who you didn't expect this to happen to.
To fade away so young, with so much left undone
To perish at a young age, without completing much.
Remember me, to my love, I know I'll miss her
Pass on my regards to my loved one, I know I'll miss her.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@daviddarling8642
A simple song, done so beautifully that it pulls you into the tragic story of mankind's lust for power and dominance juxtaposed with the simple life of a country boy who does not get the chance to grow old. Rust Never Sleeps was a Neil & Crazy Horse classic, kept alive by these brilliant musicians. Thank you Cowboy Junkies and Latent Recordings!
@noretreatbabynosurrender2917
Masterpiece. This slower version of the Song underlines the seriousness and the sadness of the lyrics. And the Violin… the Violin…just incredible.
@skipacuff5104
100% ❤
@gerardwashack7097
Beautiful, brings tears to my eyes.
@henrihello7833
❤ époustouflant
@jamesmcgrath2075
The violin is haunting. Love it
@zaks7306
I’ve always wondered what the song is about?
@SveninColorado
The Cowboy Junkies interpret Neil Young with a depth of ownership which overshadows all others...
Just DA'YUM!!!
@bobnunn4363
I love the way Margot's voice has matured over the years. I could listen to this on a loop for the rest of my days.
@stupidlittleguitar
Margo can do no wrong when she sings, her voice is so smooth, honest and unique, and she always rings true.