Green started off as a bass player in such bands as The Muskrats. Joining The Peter B's, led by Peter Bardens, later the frontman of Camel, (including drummer Mick Fleetwood) he switched to lead guitar and made his first recordings. He took over the lead guitar spot in John Mayall and the Blues Breakers in 1966 after the departure of Eric Clapton.
After recording on one Mayall album Peter left in 1967 to form Fleetwood Mac.
Green was the guiding force of Fleetwood Mac from 1967 to 1970 when he left for musical and personal reasons. Under Green's guidance, the Mac played a very gritty and authentic version of the electric blues popularized in bars on Chicago's south side. (They even did some fine recordings there--"Blues Jam in Chicago"--which saw release only after his tenure in the band had ended). A prolific song writer also, he penned such hits as Man of the World; Oh Well; Green Manalishi; Albatross and Black Magic Woman. Albatross reached number 1 in the UK charts, Black Magic Woman was also recorded by Santana on their Abraxas album.
From 1970 to 1974, Green played some sessions, and worked with several small bands, as well as releasing two solo singles and an album of extended jams, The End of the Game for Reprise. By the end of 1974, he had withdrawn from the music scene.
By 1979 Green was recording again for PVK records as a solo artist with the debut album In the Skies; 1980 Little Dreamer; 1981 Blue Guitar; 1981 Whatcha Gonna Do; 1981 White Sky; 1984 Kolors; 1987 Katmandu; 1988 Legend; 1992 One Woman Love;
Green again left the music world in 1984, and there followed a very difficult period in his life, which came to an end in the mid 90's, and coincided with renewed interest, partly generated by a biography written by Martin Celmins, and a tribute album recorded by Gary Moore.
Green formed a new group in 1995 with Nigel Watson called the Peter Green Splinter Group. Returning to form the group produced some of Peter’s best playing since leaving Fleetwood Mac. Albums include 1997 Splinter Group; 1998 Robert Johnson Songbook; 2002 Reaching For The Cold 100.
Green left The Splinter Group in 2003. Since then, he has played sporadically, appearing at a Lord's Taverner's benefit at The Royal Albert Hall, and doing some gigs with The British Blues All-Stars.
In February 2009, Green began playing and touring again, this time as Peter Green and Friends. In May 2009 he was the subject of the BBC Four documentary "Peter Green: Man of the World", produced by Henry Hadaway. Green and the band subsequently played a tour of Ireland, Germany and England. They went on to play several dates in Australia during March 2010, including the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
First Train Home
Peter Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna catch the first train home
I don't know what I come here for
Yeah, first train home
I don't know what I come here for
'cause for nine long years I couldn't even walk out of my door
Break:
I'm gonna catch the first train home
I don't know what I come here for
The first train, the first train home
I don't know what I come here for
'cause for nine long years, I couldn't even walk out of my door
Peter Green's "First Train Home" is a song about coming to terms with one's own limitations and the difficulty of facing one's past. The opening lines of the song, "I'm gonna catch the first train home, I don't know what I come here for," set the stage for the singer's confusion and sense of displacement. He acknowledges that he is lost and unsure of why he is in his current situation or where he belongs.
The chorus, "cause for nine long years I couldn't even walk out of my door," provides insight into the struggles of the singer. The repetition of this line emphasizes the gravity of his condition, and the nine-year time frame suggests that it was a prolonged and challenging trial. The singer finally finds a solution, symbolized by the first train home, which represents a means of escape and healing.
In summary, First Train Home is a song that delves into the struggles of coming to terms with oneself and one's past. It's a song about finding the courage to move on, and even though the journey may be difficult, the destination is worth the struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna catch the first train home
I am ready to leave and go back home as soon as possible
I don't know what I come here for
I am unsure about my reasons for coming to this place
Yeah, first train home
Definitely the very first train I can find that will take me home
I don't know what I come here for
Still feeling unsure about why I even came to this place in the first place
'cause for nine long years I couldn't even walk out of my door
For almost a decade, I have been struggling with a personal issue that kept me from leaving my house
Here's what I say
This is me being completely honest about my situation
I'm gonna catch the first train home
Once again, I am emphasizing how eager I am to leave and go back home
I don't know what I come here for
Even though I still don't know why I came to this place, I am certain that I need to leave
The first train, the first train home
I will not settle for any train other than the very first one that is headed towards my home
I don't know what I come here for
Once again, admitting that I never fully understood my own reasons for coming to this place
'cause for nine long years, I couldn't even walk out of my door
Reiterating that I have been struggling with a personal issue that has kept me from leaving my home for almost a decade
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billslinkard4127
Words are inadequate to describe Peter Green's style, creative ability and impact on the Blues, and the soul of mankind!
@stoffe2
In my opinion the most sensitive blues guitarist this world have ever seen!
@EliRecordsUK
This is one my favourite tracks of all time - a 3-piece band cutting the mustard - sounds like it's recorded live. The guitar sound and phrasing is utterly magnificent.
@krahsnif
Peter Green was the first guitarist in the sixties that really got me listening to the blues.He had that little bit of magic in his fingers that made him special.
@bendbadgersteve
When Pete was on his game there was nobody better. That's saying a lot when you consider Clapton, Duane Allman, Beck, Mick Taylor even Hendrix. The man had such incredible tone and feel. He flashes here yet everything fits and doesn't make you feel at all like he's showing off. Effortless and graceful, the licks just drip off like rain falling from a roof.
@ryanodonnell4184
Well said. Hendrix is the only other electric blues guitarist post BB King generation that you can compare to green. He had something no one else had.
@huzzer060883
sickest tone i ever heard
@michaelaitchison
Peter....you are the Master......so gifted.......so very very Special....no one can play guitar like you...you sing Blues from the Soul...like you..or phrase Blues....the same way as you. do...I miss you Peter....God Bless.it is time.the..Queen...Knighted you...Sir Peter......You are held in the highest regard..as a World Class Guitarist along with Eric..... Buddy..BB..Freddie..Albert..SRV...Gary Moore...............
@MorroccoM13
I could tell from the first 3 notes that this was going to be a great blues tune. Cant get enuff Peter Green BLUES!
@IronMonkee
This tone and the one in "Worried Dream" studio take, have to be my favorites... there just so touching!