Railroad Earth is a roots and Americana-based jamband from rural western St… Read Full Bio ↴Railroad Earth is a roots and Americana-based jamband from rural western Stillwater, New Jersey, USA. Their name stems from a Jack Kerouac poem "October in the Railroad Earth," and the band has a song by the same name. Railroad Earth's music combines elements of bluegrass, rock and roll, jazz, celtic and more, and the group is known for its extensive live improvisation and lyrical songwriting within an acoustic base.

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.

Head
Railroad Earth Lyrics

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All the world is lying, sleeping
Everyone in bed
Me, I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head
Turn on my own head
Me, I'm still out flying

Tryin' to turn on my own head

All the world is in darkness
Every light is dead
Me, I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me I'm still out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

All my world is in ruin
Every dream is dead
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head
Me, I'll be out flying
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head

Tryin' to turn on my own head
Tryin' to turn on my own head

Overall Meaning

Railroad Earth's song "Head" paints a picture of a world that is shut down, sleeping, and in darkness. The singer, however, is still out flying, trying to turn on his own head. The lyrics suggest that the world around him has lost its vitality and imagination, and the singer is striving for self-discovery and imaginative thought. The repetition of the phrase "Tryin' to turn on my own head" emphasizes the singer's drive and urgency in breaking out of the mundanity of the world.

The line "All my world is in ruin, every dream is dead" gives a glimpse into the singer's internal world, which contrasts greatly with the outside world. He is seeking something beyond the bleakness of his surroundings; perhaps he is trying to find hope or creativity again. The last section of the lyrics repeats the same idea that the singer will continue to fly and search for a way to turn on his own head.

Overall, the song "Head" can be seen as a commentary on the lack of imagination and vitality in society, challenging listeners to break out of the monotony of everyday life and strive for self-discovery and creativity.

Line by Line Meaning

All the world is lying, sleeping
The rest of the world is asleep and not aware of the world's true state

Everyone in bed
Everyone is asleep and unaware of the world's true state

Me, I'm still out flying
I am still awake and aware of the world's true state

Tryin' to turn on my own head
I am trying to awaken my own consciousness and become more aware

All the world is in darkness
The world is in a state of ignorance and lack of awareness

Every light is dead
There is no hope for enlightenment or understanding in the world

All my world is in ruin
My personal world is in a state of destruction and chaos

Every dream is dead
All of my hopes and aspirations have been shattered

Me, I'll be out flying
Despite the hopelessness of the world, I will continue to seek understanding

Tryin' to turn on my own head
I will continue to strive for self-awareness and personal growth

Tryin' to turn on my own head
I will not give up on my quest for understanding