Hobo's Lullaby
Emmylou Harris Lyrics


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Go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by
Can't you hear the steel rail humming
That's a hobo's lullaby

Do not think about tomorrow
Let tomorrow come and go
Tonight you're in a nice warm boxcar
Safe from all the wind and snow

I know the police cause you trouble
They cause trouble everywhere
But when you die and go to heaven
You won't find no policemen there

I know your clothes are torn and ragged
And your hair is turning grey
Lift your head and smile at trouble
You'll find happiness some day

So go to sleep you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by




Don't you feel the steel rail humming
That's a hobo's lullaby

Overall Meaning

The song "Hobo's Lullaby" by Emmylou Harris is a poignant song that speaks of the struggles and hardships faced by hobos, it's a song that has been sung many times by many artists since it was first written back in 1931 by Goebel Reeves. The song's opening lines invite the weary hobo to take a rest and doze off as the towns pass them by, as the steel rails hum their lullaby. These lines depict the isolation of the traveler, the hobo, who's drifting by the towns, living on the edge of society and leading a seemingly lonely life.


The second verse counsels the hobo to forget tomorrow and live for the moment. It suggests that the hobo should enjoy the current moment, despite being in a boxcar, as it is better than braving the harsh winds and snow when on foot. The verse is a reminder that life is a journey and not a destination, that we should enjoy the journey and live our lives with no regrets.


The third verse speaks to the many troubles faced by hobos, such as the police interference, whilst remaining hopeful that in heaven, there will be no troubles. The verse presents police as the hobo’s constant antagonist, and the last line seems to suggest that police are not welcome in heaven, possibly implying that they interfere too much with the lives of others-the hobos.


In conclusion, "Hobo's Lullaby" is an emotional piece of art that portrays the hardships of life, the loneliness and isolation of the traveler. It's a song that is both sad and hopeful, as it affirms that happiness is attainable despite life's challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

Go to sleep you weary hobo
Please rest, tired wanderer


Let the towns drift slowly by
Ignore the cities passing you by


Can't you hear the steel rail humming
Listen to the soothing sound of the tracks


That's a hobo's lullaby
This is a calming tune for the wandering homeless


Do not think about tomorrow
Don't worry about the future


Let tomorrow come and go
Leave the future to its own rhythm


Tonight you're in a nice warm boxcar
You have found shelter in a comfortable train carriage


Safe from all the wind and snow
You're protected from the harsh weather


I know the police cause you trouble
I understand authorities harass you


They cause trouble everywhere
They are a problem for all


But when you die and go to heaven
However, after death and in the afterlife


You won't find no policemen there
You will find no authority figures in heaven.


I know your clothes are torn and ragged
I understand your clothing is damaged and old


And your hair is turning grey
And your hair is fading to white


Lift your head and smile at trouble
Raise your head and face your troubles boldly


You'll find happiness some day
You will eventually find joy


So go to sleep you weary hobo
So, rest easy, vagabond


Let the towns drift slowly by
Pay no mind to the towns passing by


Don't you feel the steel rail humming
Can't you feel the tracks' soothing melody


That's a hobo's lullaby
This is a song to soothe the wandering homeless




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: GOEBEL REEVES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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