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.
Like a Buddha
Railroad Earth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
& find you're walkin' . . the boat is floating
in your mind, although these words are talking
. . . this seems a very good place to sit & rest
a while before the chorus . . .
oh! & there's a feeling comin' to ya
oh! & then you're smilin' like a buddha
. . . the music draws you up a valley, & across
a mountain . . . ya gather round it like yer
gathering around a fountain . . . & when the
music is right, ya feel the spirit lockin' . . .
oh! & there's a feelin' runnin' through ya
oh! & yer smilin' like a buddha
there is magic in the air & it can take ya higher
ya take a breath, ya breathe it in & then ya catch a flier
when ya wake up on the floor ya see a golden morning
oh! from your sandal to your stupa
oh! & yer smilin' like a buddha
oh, while ya have the eyes
to look around
oh, while ya have the eyes
to carry into town
take the time to look
take the time to look . . . around
oh, while ya have the ears
to hear the sounds
oh, while ya have the ears
. . just hangin' 'round
take the time to hear
take the time to hear . . the sounds
& then yer seein' in a light ya didn't know was glowin'
& yer walkin' in a stream ya didn't know was flowin'
every beat of your heart open, love is formin'
oh! & there's a feelin' runnin' through ya
oh! & then yer smilin' like a buddha
oh! & there's a feelin' comin' to ya
oh! & yer smilin' like a buddha
The lyrics of "Like a Buddha" by Railroad Earth describe a journey of self-discovery through music and nature. The song begins by referencing a river and a boat, which could represent the flow of life and the vessel in which we navigate it. The singer then describes a state of mind where the boat is still floating, even though they have disembarked. This could be interpreted as a state of mindfulness or awareness, where one is present in the moment but still connected to the larger flow of life.
The chorus of the song describes a feeling of joy and peace that comes from this connection to the larger flow of life. The singer refers to smiling like a Buddha, which could mean that they have reached a state of enlightenment, or at least a heightened awareness of their surroundings. The following verses describe the power of music to elevate the spirit and connect us to something larger than ourselves. The song ends with a call to appreciate the world around us, through both our eyes and ears, and a recognition that love is constantly forming within us.
Overall, "Like a Buddha" is a celebration of the beauty of the world and our place within it. It encourages listeners to be present in the moment and appreciate the small things in life, like the music and nature that surround us.
Line by Line Meaning
. . . and then the river ends, ya leave the boat
You've arrived at the end of a journey and leave behind something that carried you along
in your mind, although these words are talking
The memory of the experience remains with you, though you've moved on to new things
this seems a very good place to sit & rest
a while before the chorus . . .
Take a moment to reflect before continuing on to the next stage of your journey
oh! & there's a feeling comin' to ya
oh! & then you're smilin' like a buddha
You experience a sense of contentment and find equilibrium in the present moment
. . . the music draws you up a valley, & across
a mountain . . . ya gather round it like yer
gathering around a fountain . . . & when the
music is right, ya feel the spirit lockin' . . .
Music has the power to transport you through different experiences and emotions until you find a state of peace
there is magic in the air & it can take ya higher
ya take a breath, ya breathe it in & then ya catch a flier
when ya wake up on the floor ya see a golden morning
The atmosphere around you can elicit sensations of transcendence and awe, which can leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired
oh! from your sandal to your stupa
oh! & yer smilin' like a buddha
The calm and fulfillment you experience can be communicated through a serene, radiant smile
oh, while ya have the eyes
to look around
oh, while ya have the eyes
to carry into town
take the time to look
take the time to look . . . around
Take advantage of your ability to perceive, observe, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you
oh, while ya have the ears
to hear the sounds
oh, while ya have the ears
. . just hangin' 'round
take the time to hear
take the time to hear . . the sounds
Make use of your capacity to listen to the various sounds and noises that surround you as they can each have their own significance
& then yer seein' in a light ya didn't know was glowin'
& yer walkin' in a stream ya didn't know was flowin'
every beat of your heart open, love is formin'
The sense of contentment triggered by your inner journey can lead to new perspectives and experiences that were previously not visible to you
Contributed by Nolan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.