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.
Bird In A House
Railroad Earth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cried the bird and flew into a wall
There must be some way he cried
And his desperation echoed down the hall
Just another bird in a house
Dying to get out
Just another bird in a house
I want to join my own kind that's all
Cried the bird and flew into a wall
There must be some way out he cried
And his desperation echoed down the hall
just another bird in a house
Dying to get out
Just another bird in a house
Dying to get out
I'm gonna smash my way out that's all
Cried the bird and smashed from wall to wall
There must be some way out he cried
And his desperation echoed down the hall
just another bird in a house
Dying to get out
Just another bird in a house
Dying to get out
The lyrics of Railroad Earth's "Bird In A House" is a perfect illustration of the feeling of being trapped or stuck in a situation or place where you don't belong. The bird in the song symbolises this feeling and its desperate attempts to find a way out of the house it has been confined in. Initially, the bird wants to sing its own song and join its own kind, but finds itself hitting a wall every time it tries to break out of the house. The desperation and hopelessness of the bird is beautifully captured in the repetition of the phrase "dying to get out" throughout the song.
As the song progresses, the bird's desperation turns into determination and it decides to use force to break out of the house. The line "I'm gonna smash my way out that's all" portrays the bird's resolve to get free at any cost, even if it leads to destruction. The echo of the bird's cries creates a haunting effect, emphasising the extent of its struggle to be free. The song conveys the poignant message that everyone deserves the freedom to be who they are, and being trapped in a situation against their will can lead to desperation and extreme measures.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to sing my own song that's all
The bird desires to express itself through its unique voice.
Cried the bird and flew into a wall
The bird's frustration has led it to harmful actions.
There must be some way he cried
The bird is persistent in finding a solution to escape.
And his desperation echoed down the hall
The bird's emotions are overwhelming and can be felt throughout the space.
Just another bird in a house
The bird's situation is common and repetitive.
Dying to get out
The bird's longing for freedom is intense and potentially fatal.
I want to join my own kind that's all
The bird wants to connect with others who share its identity.
There must be some way out he cried
The bird continues to believe that freedom is possible and necessary.
I'm gonna smash my way out that's all
The bird has resorted to violent measures in hopes of escaping.
Just another bird in a house
The bird's situation remains unchanged and stagnant.
Dying to get out
The bird's need for liberation grows more urgent and dangerous.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Edward's Sisters'Hands
The fact that this doesn't have more views really bothers me. This is one of the most amazing songs every recorded. Not only is the material the best, but the sound engineering is absolutely amazing as well. EVERY time I put this song on, I tear up a little from its absolute brilliance. Rock the fuck on.
Tom Brady
Amen
Robyn Hall
I bet a handful of the views are also the same viewer 100 times or more as well – I know I'm guilty <3
Kelly Rose
This band has such a gift for telling stories, pulling at your heart-strings, and bringing a smile to the face.
TrippyTeaGaming
this song will always hold a special place in my heart. my best friend passed away and my buddies jammed this song out at his funeral. Railroad Earth gave him a shout out before they played this song in Natchez, ms
Kt Brown
Love this song. Gives me chills and almost brings a tear 2 my eyes.🖤💜🖤💜🖤☮👍🏻✌🏻
J Lamb
Just discovered this group and this is now one of my favorite songs EVER!
Freq Boutique
This band is must see live!
Don't let that drummer loose on a solo, soooo good!
Mary Craddock
Simply beautiful, musicians are wonderful, timing, magical moments
Karl Krogmann
This is wonderful... why aren't more people listening to this?