Steel Rails
Krauss Alison Lyrics

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Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

It's not the first time I've found myself alone and known
If I really had you once, then I'd have you when I'm gone
Whistle blows, blowin' lonesome in my mind

Calling me along that never ending metal line

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Sun is shining, through the open boxcar door
Lying in my mind with the things I've known before
I've lost count of the hours, days, and nights
The rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in my mind

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Krauss Alison's song Steel Rails describe the experience of traveling on a train, with its steel rails winding through the trees like a ribbon in the wind. The singer seems content to be on the train, not knowing what lies down the track, because she is looking out ahead and trying to keep her mind from turning back. She reflects on being alone and knowing that if she had someone with her, it would be comforting to have them when she's gone. The sound of the whistle blowing is described as lonesome, but it calls her along the never-ending metal line.

The lyrics suggest a sense of freedom that comes with traveling on a train, of being able to leave things behind and focus on what's ahead. The rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in her mind, suggesting that the physical act of traveling is helping her emotionally as well. There is a sense of nostalgia in the lyrics as well, as the singer reflects on the things she's known before and loses count of the hours, days, and nights.

Overall, the lyrics to Steel Rails paint a picture of a journey on a train, with all of its accompanying emotions and experiences. It is a song about letting go of what's behind and looking towards the future.

Line by Line Meaning

Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend
The train tracks are winding through the trees and always moving towards the sunlight.

Winding through the trees, like a ribbon in the wind
The tracks look like a ribbon blowing in the wind as they twist and turn through the trees.

I don't mind not knowing what lies down the track
The singer doesn't need to know what's ahead on the tracks, because she's focused on the future ahead of her.

Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back
The singer is looking forward to the future to avoid dwelling on past regrets.

It's not the first time I've found myself alone and known
The singer has been through breakups and difficult times before, and knows how to cope with being alone.

If I really had you once, then I'd have you when I'm gone
The singer believes that if she truly loved someone once, she will always have them with her in her memories, even after they're gone.

Whistle blows, blowin' lonesome in my mind
The sound of the train whistle seems lonely to the singer, and reminds her of her own solitude.

Calling me along that never ending metal line
The train tracks seem endless to the singer, and she feels compelled to keep following them.

Sun is shining, through the open boxcar door
The singer can see the sun streaming in through the open door of a train car, which brings her some comfort.

Lying in my mind with the things I've known before
The singer is lost in her memories of the past and can't help but think about the things she's lost along the way.

I've lost count of the hours, days, and nights
The singer has been on the train for so long that she's lost track of how much time has passed.

The rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in my mind
The train's movement and the sound of the tracks create a constant rhythm that helps the singer stay focused on the present moment.

Cause I'm looking out ahead, to keep my mind from turning back
The singer is determined to keep moving forward and not get bogged down by regrets and past mistakes.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUISA BRANSCOMB

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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