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.
Real Love
Railroad Earth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the arrow girl’s been pointing straight at you
seems like only yesterday I knew you as a friend
how were we to know back then that this is how it’d end
can you feel my love, can you feel my love, can you feel
yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real
someday on a perfect night like this
far from now we’ll lie together underneath the skies
from our love and up above a rose in red will rise
can you feel my love, can you feel my love, can you feel
yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real
I’m awed by all the beauty that I see
opening in front of you and me
I want to tell you now as I am standing here today
Hand in hand, and up and down, and all along the way
can you feel my love, can you feel my love, can you feel
yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real
can you feel my love, can you feel my love, can you feel
yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real
real love
The song "Real Love" by Railroad Earth speaks of a love that is true, undeniable and all-consuming. The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer has been smitten with his beloved since the first moment he laid eyes on her. He uses the metaphor of an arrow to describe the intensity and accuracy with which he was drawn to her. The singer reminisces about the early days of their friendship, when they had no clue that their relationship would culminate in this all-encompassing love that they share now.
The chorus of the song is a repeated plea to his beloved, to confirm whether she feels the intensity of his love for her. Through these lines, the singer is trying to assure himself that this love is not one-sided and that it is indeed real. He wants her to acknowledge and reciprocate his feelings.
In the latter half of the song, the singer talks about sealing their happiness by picking a perfect day to make their love official. He imagines a time in the future when they will lie together under the starry skies, with a red rose blooming above them, symbolizing their budding love. He concludes the song with a declaration of his love and reiterates his need for validation from his beloved.
Overall, the song is a beautiful ode to the magic of love and how it can transform a simple friendship into a lifelong commitment, grounded in mutual love and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
from the first time that I laid my eyes, it’s true
I knew I was drawn to you from the very first time I met you
the arrow girl’s been pointing straight at you
I've always felt like it was fate that brought us together
seems like only yesterday I knew you as a friend
It's amazing to think that our friendship has grown into something much more
how were we to know back then that this is how it’d end
We never could have imagined that we would end up falling in love
pick a day and we’ll seal this happiness
Let's choose a special day to make our love official and celebrate our happiness
someday on a perfect night like this
One day we will have the perfect night to express our love for each other
far from now we’ll lie together underneath the skies
In the future, we'll be together, lying under the stars and enjoying each other's company
from our love and up above a rose in red will rise
Our love will be so strong, it will be like a rose blooming in the sky
I’m awed by all the beauty that I see
I'm constantly amazed by the beauty of our love and the world around us
opening in front of you and me
Our future is full of exciting possibilities and I can't wait to see what's in store for us
I want to tell you now as I am standing here today
I want you to know how much I love you and how important you are to me
Hand in hand, and up and down, and all along the way
We'll face life's ups and downs together, holding hands and supporting each other
can you feel my love, can you feel my love, can you feel
I want to make sure you know how much I love you and how real my love is
yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real my love, yes it’s real
My love for you is genuine and will always be real
real love
Our love for each other is authentic and true
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ultimate Expert
I love this band! One of my favorites, will be seeing them soon in Fayetteville, AR! Can't wait!
Mikela Hill
i wish more people could see the beauty in music like this =] so moving!
Cameron Tribbett
If someone told me they didn't like Railroad Earth, I would immediately judge/hate them a little...
PoetryETrain
Thank you, this has been added to a playlist...
Kathy Krisinski
Beautiful
Tyler Curtis
From the first time that I laid my eyes, it’s true the arrow girl’s been pointing straight at you. Seems like only yesterday I knew you as a friend, how were we to know back then that this is how it’d end. I’m awed by all the beauty that I seeopening in front of you and me.I want t o tell you now as I am standing here today Hand in hand, and up and down, and all along the way.
Adam Berger
@6n2r I hate to say it, but this music is too good for the masses. Most people can't appreciate a group like this. For now, it's our little jewel, all locked away, but beautiful and real.
electromagneticfrequency
Sci family
BHDread
I'm in Fort Laud...funny being introduced to RE here...cause I'm from Montclair
Tom Burke
@6n2r....not a lot of people realize how to relax in the truest sense. lotta conformity...but its a tough world out there. people havin trouble findin themselves i believe