The band members, already accomplished musicians, first came together in early 2001. Originally comprised of guitarist/vocalist Todd Sheaffer, violinist/vocalist Tim Carbone, mandolinist/vocalist John Skehan, multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Andy Goessling, drummer/vocalist Carey Harmon, and bassist ]Dave Von Dollen, the group played both original compositions mostly written by Sheaffer, the former From Good Homes songwriter, as well as traditional songs. After just three weeks of rehearsals, they went into a local recording studio and tracked a five song demo. Recorded live with no overdubs except backing vocals, The Black Bear Sessions set Railroad Earth's career in motion. Within a week they had a manager on board who then sent their demo out to some of the country’s most prestigious festivals, quickly landing a slot at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That was their tenth gig. The Black Bear Sessions was released to the public in June 2001, and following their appearance at Telluride Sugar Hill Records approached the band and offered them a record deal. The Black Bear Sessions contains some of the most popular songs in Railroad Earth's repertoire, including "Seven Story Mountain" and "Head."
In June 2002, one year from the release of their debut, Railroad Earth’s second album, Bird in a House, came out on Sugar Hill Records, featuring songs such as "Bird In A House," "Like A Buddha," and "Mighty River.". The band continued its steady touring schedule, playing theatres, folk-music festivals, jam-band festivals, and other venues, while gathering much praise for its unique sound and enjoyable live concerts. The band eventually built up a fanbase who call themselves Hobos.
In 2003 Dave Von Dollen was replaced by bassist Johnny Grubb. In 2004 the band released its third studio effort, The Good Life, featuring "Storms," Mourning Flies," and "Goat." The band continued to tour throughout the country, and its first live album, Elko, was issued in late January 2006. They performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on September 15, 2007.
The band's fourth studio album, entitled Amen Corner, was released on June 10, 2008. The new album features songs such as "Been Down This Road," "Hard Livin'," "Waggin' The Dog," and "Lovin' You".
On November 11, 2009, Grubb announced his departure from the band after Railroad Earth's New Year's Eve run of shows in Portland, OR. In February 2010, Andrew Altman of the Codetalkers and Blueground Undergrass was named as his successor.
The band's self-titled fifth album was released on Oct 12, 2010. The album features Andy Goessling playing electric guitar for the first time, plus an 11-minute instrumental written by John Skehan entitled "Spring-Heeled Jack" (SHJ is John Skehan's initials backwards); the latter is the longest studio track to date for the band.
Andy Goessling passed away in October 2018.
Been Down That Road
Railroad Earth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there she standin in the door
Staring in the eyes of my poor soul
Been around I wore those shadows
That Sooner or later drag ya down
Hang around your heart and your mind
I?. been down this road before
I?. don?t go there anymore
Ahhh honey I look in your eyes
It carries me far away
Take me right back to the day in my mind
I've been down where nothing matters
And your knocking everybody down
Stumbling every place in town with an open door
I? like to open up the door.
I? can't go there anymore
Ahhh you?re a devil you can push those buttons til there's no more water in the well
Fires burnin in hell flowin in my veins
I've been around I know you brother
I know how this story goes
You and me pushin it to blow then I feel sad
I? like to even up the score
I? don?t go there anymore
come round amen corner
And there she standin in the door
Starin in the eyes of my poor soul
Been around I wore those shadows
That Sooner or later drags ya down
Hang around your heart and your mind
I? like to open up the door
I? been down that road before
I? don?t go there anymore
The lyrics to Railroad Earth's song "Been Down This Road" discuss the familiar pattern of falling into certain negative habits, but ultimately realizing the negative impact they have and choosing to break free from them. The song is framed by the image of the singer coming around the "amen corner" (which could be interpreted as a sort of turning point or crossroads) and seeing someone in the door. The singer has worn the "shadows" of past mistakes and negative patterns, but recognizes that they can drag you down if you let them. The singer has also been to a place where "nothing matters" and is forced to confront the damage they have caused to others (knocking everybody down, stumbling all over town), but ultimately chooses to not go back down that road anymore.
The lyrics suggest a sense of self-awareness and growth, as the singer has come to recognize the impact of their actions and seeks to break free of destructive patterns. Along with the theme of growth, the song also touches on the idea of temptation and addiction, as well as the struggle to resist those urges in order to better oneself.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who has struggled with negative patterns in the past, but has come out on the other side with newfound awareness and a commitment to change their ways. It's a reminder that even when we feel stuck in certain patterns, we ultimately have the power to choose our own path and break free from negative habits.
Line by Line Meaning
Come round amen corner
I have arrived at a significant corner or turning point in my life.
And there she standin in the door
At this crucial moment, the woman who has caused turmoil in my life appears before me.
Staring in the eyes of my poor soul
She is gazing directly into my essence and seeing my vulnerability.
Been around I wore those shadows
I have lived long enough to experience the darkness of life.
That Sooner or later drag ya down
These shadows always catch up to you eventually.
Hang around your heart and your mind
They cling to your emotional and mental well-being, refusing to let go.
I?. been down this road before
I have dealt with these struggles and challenges previously.
I?. don?t go there anymore
I have learned to avoid this type of negativity and move on with my life.
Ahhh honey I look in your eyes
When I gaze into your eyes, I am transported to a happier time.
It carries me far away
This memory takes me on a mental journey to a different place in time.
Take me right back to the day in my mind
It brings me back to the moment in time when I was the happiest.
I've been down where nothing matters
I have been in a place where nothing has any importance or significance.
And your knocking everybody down
You are hurting those around you and causing chaos.
Stumbling every place in town with an open door
You are aimlessly wandering, constantly making bad choices.
I? like to open up the door.
I would like to help you and be supportive.
I? can't go there anymore
However, I cannot allow myself to be caught up in your destructive behavior and must move on.
Ahhh you?re a devil you can push those buttons til there's no more water in the well
You are a master manipulator and exert your power over others until they can no longer handle it.
Fires burnin in hell flowin in my veins
The torment and suffering you cause are excruciating, and it feels as though hellfire is coursing through my veins.
I've been around I know you brother
I have seen and experienced your behavior before, and know what to expect.
I know how this story goes
I am very familiar with the outcome of your actions and behavior.
You and me pushin it to blow then I feel sad
When we inevitably clash and cause a big scene, I cannot help but feel a deep sadness and disappointment.
I? like to even up the score
I would like to settle any conflicts or issues between us fairly and amicably.
I? don?t go there anymore
However, I cannot allow myself to be dragged into another toxic situation and must maintain my distance.
Come round amen corner
Once again, I have arrived at a pivotal corner in my life.
And there she standin in the door
And once again, she appears before me, causing me to contemplate my next move.
Starin in the eyes of my poor soul
Her piercing gaze is once again focused on my weakness and vulnerability.
Been around I wore those shadows
I have lived through enough difficulties and challenges to recognize this pattern.
That Sooner or later drags ya down
If I do not learn from my past experiences, these shadows will eventually consume me.
Hang around your heart and your mind
They will continue to cling to my emotional and mental well-being.
I? like to open up the door
However, I am willing to take a chance and help make a positive change in her life.
I? been down that road before
Though I am familiar with this path, I am willing to take the risk for the possibility of a better outcome.
I? don?t go there anymore
I am prepared to move forward and embrace the positive changes in my life, rather than remaining stuck in the past.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
480vmotor
This song came with a bluegrass compilation CD I bought which also included Alison Krause, David Grisman, Jerry Garcia and others. I play this song all the time, instrumentation and vocals and lyrics just work-Great story. You guys need to book at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis!
jennifer jordan
Amazingly beautiful tunes!!! A blessing to my soul
Jimbo Hammock
Wow, what a song!!! I just can't get enough...
XLCOLDJ
This song is legendary.
PerpetualLarper
Thanks guys. Bought this CD the day it was released and still love it.
eqqos
Absolutely love these guys. Wish they had come on at Dear Jerry.
cWeeks1992
This is great!
Flo Chartingham
Nice, relaxed sounding bluegrass. That's almost a contradiction. I was wondering if the bass player was wearing a heavy parka because he was playing in a cold room so the air would be denser and contribute to the sound of his bass. I've thought about how a vocalist might sing in cold space for the same reason.
Dax Hunter Jordan
PLAY !T AT .75 SPEED IF YOU ARE FEELING SUPER EMOTIONAL/NOSTALGIC
Jessica Moore
Mercy