The Brakeman's Blues
Jimmie Rodgers Lyrics


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Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
Any old place I hang my hat is, home sweet home to me

Hey, hey

I went to the depot and I looked up on the board
I went to the depot and I looked up on the board
It read it's good times here, but better on down the road

Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
I'm going to get me a momma, Lord, I ain't never seen

Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
Standin' in my front door, wishin' to God, I was dead

If your house catcha fire, there ain't no one around
If your house catcha fire, there ain't no one around
Just put my son out the window, let the house burn down

If that's your momma, you'd better tie her to your side




If that's your momma, you'd better tie her to your side
'Cause if she flash my train, I'll sure let her ride

Overall Meaning

In the song "The Brakeman's Blues" by Jimmie Rodgers, the singer reflects on his life as a railroad brakeman and his love of travel. The opening lines refer to his home, saying that Portland, Maine feels just like his home state of Tennessee, and that wherever he hangs his hat is "home sweet home" to him. The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's itinerant lifestyle and his sense of contentment with it.


The second verse describes the singer's job at the railroad depot, where he finds a notice promising good times, but he knows he'll find even better ones when he moves on down the road. This highlights his love of travel and exploration, as well as his desire for new experiences.


The third verse is more personal, with the singer describing his plans to eat breakfast in one place and get his dinner in another. He also expresses his hope of finding a woman to love, someone he's never seen before. The repetition of the word "Lord" suggests a religious aspect to his search for love and companionship.


The fourth verse takes a darker turn, with the singer describing his mother's absence when the train left the station. He imagines her standing in the doorway, wishing for death. The next line is even more grim, suggesting that if a fire were to break out in someone's home, they should make sure to save their child but let the house burn down.


The final verse takes a lighthearted turn, with the warning that if the singer's love interest flashes her chest (or "momma", a term sometimes used for a woman with whom one is romantically involved) at his train, he'll be forced to let her hitch a ride. This verse adds a touch of humor to the song, but it also emphasizes the singer's reputation for being a ladies' man and his love of adventure.


Overall, the lyrics to "The Brakeman's Blues" reflect the life of a man who loves his work, his travels, and his romances, even as he acknowledges the darker parts of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Portland main is just the same as sunny Tennessee
I feel at home wherever I am, so being in Portland or Tennessee feels equally comforting to me.


Any old place I hang my hat is, home sweet home to me
I find comfort in being in any place that I can call home.


I went to the depot and I looked up on the board
I visited the station and checked the schedule.


It read it's good times here, but better on down the road
The board suggested that things were good where I was, but better opportunities were ahead on my journey.


Eat my breakfast here, get my dinner in New Orleans
I start my day here and plan to end it in New Orleans where I can have dinner.


I'm going to get me a momma, Lord, I ain't never seen
I hope to find a woman to be my loving companion who I have not yet met.


Where was you momma, when the train left the shed?
I wonder where your mother was when the train departed?


Standin' in my front door, wishin' to God, I was dead
She was standing in front of my house, hoping that I was no longer living.


If your house catcha fire, there ain't no one around
If your house is on fire, and nobody is around to help.


Just put my son out the window, let the house burn down
I would prioritize saving my son's life over preserving our house in the event of a fire.


If that's your momma, you'd better tie her to your side
If the woman you are with is your mother, then she should stay right beside you and not interfere with the train's journey.


'Cause if she flash my train, I'll sure let her ride
If she interferes with or slows down my train, I will not hesitate to leave her behind and continue on without her.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMIE RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

mark davis

One of my favorites of ol Jimmy's. Takes me back a ways.

Jeff Sartain

Amen. Viva the memory and music of Jimmy Rodgers.

Peggy Brem

Thank you! Every note is a treasure 👍

Arun Nadkarni

किशोरकुमार यांची जबरदस्त आठवण जागी झाली ।।।

Indus

Please explain my friend

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