Smith cites a vast array of Blues, Country and Western influences on his MySpace page, including
Wynonie Harris, Bobby Bland, Chet Atkins, Pee Wee Crayton, G.E. Smith, Freddie King, Billy Gibbons, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King and Albert Collins.
George Thorogood recorded Smith's "Rock Party" for his 2006 album, "The Hard Stuff". The Fort Worth Weekly named Smith the best local blues band in 2008. Smith tours extensively in the south- and mid-western U.S., and in Europe.
Smith's official website is at http://www.hollandksmith.com/.
Night Train
Holland K. Smith Lyrics
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Wlakin' with my baby in my arms
'Cuz I am in the wrong end of the eight ball black
And the devil, see, he's right behind us
And this worker said she's gonna take my little baby
My little angel back
But they won't getcha,
'Cuz I'm right here witcha
Swing low, Saint Cadillac
Tearin' down the alley
And I'm reachin' so high for ya
Don't let 'em take me back
Broken like valiums and chumps in the rain
That cry and quiver
When a blue horizon is sleeping in the station
With a ticket for a train
Surely mine will deliver me there
Here she comes
I'm safe here with you
On the night train
Oh mamma, mamma,
Concrete is wheeling by
Down at the end of a lullaby
On the night train
The lyrics to Holland K. Smith's song Night Train create a sense of urgency and danger as the singer walks with their baby in their arms, trying to escape from the devil who is chasing them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is on the wrong side of the tracks, and the worker wants to take the baby away. The singer promises the baby that they won't be taken because they're together on the night train. The lyrics use the metaphor of the night train to represent a feeling of safety, escape, and journeying towards a better place. The lyrics mention a "Saint Cadillac" tearing down the alley, suggesting that the night train might be a fast and powerful car, and the singer is reaching high to grab onto it, as if it is their only chance at salvation.
The lyrics create an atmosphere of desperation and fear, with the singer continuing to promise the baby that they'll stay safe on the night train. The lyrics mention broken valiums and chumps in the rain crying and quivering, which creates a sense of sympathy for those who are struggling to make it. The singer suggests that they too are broken but have faith that the night train will take them somewhere better, where they can find peace and safety. The lyrics end with the singer stating that they feel safe with the baby on the night train, even though the concrete is wheeling by and they're surrounded by a lullaby of noise.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I'm going
I'm walking with my baby in my arms.
'Cuz I am in the wrong end of the eight ball black
I'm in a bad situation, where everything seems to be going against me.
And the devil, see, he's right behind us
I feel like a dark force is pursuing us.
And this worker said she's gonna take my little baby
Someone has threatened to take away my child.
My little angel back
They want to take my child away from me.
But they won't getcha,
Don't worry, they won't succeed.
'Cuz I'm right here witcha
I'm here with you, protecting you.
On the night train
We're safe, traveling on the night train.
Swing low, Saint Cadillac
I'm calling for divine protection or help, like a guardian angel.
Tearin' down the alley
We're moving fast, running away.
And I'm reachin' so high for ya
I'm trying my best to protect you and keep you safe.
Don't let 'em take me back
I'm afraid of being caught and losing you.
Broken like valiums and chumps in the rain
I feel defeated and vulnerable, like someone who has taken a lot of drugs and is out in the rain.
That cry and quiver
I'm emotional and scared.
When a blue horizon is sleeping in the station
I feel stuck and hopeless, like I'm waiting for something that might never come.
With a ticket for a train
I have a way out, but it might not take me where I need to go.
Surely mine will deliver me there
I hope that the train I'm on will take me to a better place.
Here she comes
The train is arriving.
I'm safe here with you
I feel secure and protected with you.
On the night train
We're still on the night train, but I feel hopeful about what's to come.
Oh mamma, mamma,
I'm calling out for comfort and reassurance.
Concrete is wheeling by
We're passing by buildings and streets, moving quickly.
Down at the end of a lullaby
We're at the end of a long and calming journey, like a lullaby.
On the night train
We've arrived at our destination, and it feels like we're in a better place.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GREG GIAMPA, MICHAEL NEHRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind