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.

Seven Story Mountain
Railroad Earth Lyrics

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Oh lord, to see a light, but fail in strrength to follow,
Sometimes it's hard to let it go.
Oh lord, to fail in heart, and each day grow more hollow,
Sometimes I just don't wanna know.
But the road that led me here, it's begun to disappear.
Sometimes I wonder where I am.
Oh lord, to hear a voice, but let it fade and wallow,
Sometimes it's hard to let it to.

Oh lord, to find the words, but keep them in and swallow,
One day the top is gonna blow.
But the road that left me here, it's begun to disappear.
Sometimes I wonder who I am.
Oh lord, to stumble blind, for years without knowing,
Sunrise has burned my eyes again.
Oh lord, to fumble ...?
Sunrise has burned my eyes again.

It's a seven-story mountain. It's a long, long life we live. Got to find a light and fill my heart again.
It's a seven-story mountain. It's a long, long life ahead. Got to find a voice and fill my throat again.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the Railroad Earth's song "Seven Story Mountain" speaks of a struggle to find spiritual enlightenment or purpose in life. The singer desires to "see a light" and follow it, but falls short of the strength required to do so. The road that led him to this point has started to disappear, leaving him unsure of his identity and where he stands. The singer hears a voice, but allows it to fade away, and he finds words but keeps them inside. He feels like he's stumbling blindly without any direction.

The overall metaphor used in this song is a seven-story mountain, representing the long and difficult journey that the singer has embarked on to find meaning and purpose. The struggle to find oneself is an ongoing process that requires constant renewal and filling of the heart and throat ("Got to find a light and fill my heart again… Got to find a voice and fill my throat again").

The song touches on themes of doubt, confusion, and internal conflict, which are universal struggles that many people go through in their journey of self-discovery. The repetition of "Oh Lord" signifies the singer's desire for divine intervention and guidance to help him overcome his obstacles.

Overall, "Seven Story Mountain" is a profound and introspective song that speaks to the human condition, especially when it comes to the desire for spiritual enlightenment.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh lord, to see a light, but fail in strrength to follow,
Despite seeing hope and possibilities, it can be difficult to find the strength to pursue them.

Sometimes it's hard to let it go.
It can be challenging to move on from missed opportunities or unfulfilled dreams.

Oh lord, to fail in heart, and each day grow more hollow,
Losing hope and purpose can cause feelings of emptiness and despair.

Sometimes I just don't wanna know.
There may be times when it's easier to ignore problems or challenges than to face them.

But the road that led me here, it's begun to disappear.
The path that brought you to this moment may become less clear or uncertain over time.

Sometimes I wonder where I am.
Uncertainty and confusion can cause feelings of disorientation and doubt.

Oh lord, to hear a voice, but let it fade and wallow,
Missing out on opportunities or not fully pursuing one's passions can lead to regret.

Sometimes it's hard to let it to.
Leaving one's comfort zone or taking risks can be challenging and scary.

Oh lord, to find the words, but keep them in and swallow,
Having something to say but not expressing oneself can lead to feelings of frustration and repression.

One day the top is gonna blow.
Pent up emotions or energy may eventually be released in a powerful or explosive manner.

But the road that left me here, it's begun to disappear.
Past experiences or choices may lose their relevance or importance over time.

Sometimes I wonder who I am.
Identity can be a complex and ever-evolving concept.

Oh lord, to stumble blind, for years without knowing,
Continuing down a path without clarity or understanding can lead to feelings of aimlessness or being lost.

Sunrise has burned my eyes again.
A new day or opportunity may be overwhelming or painful to face.

It's a seven-story mountain. It's a long, long life we live. Got to find a light and fill my heart again.
Life can be a monumental challenge, but it's important to find hope and purpose to keep going.

It's a seven-story mountain. It's a long, long life ahead. Got to find a voice and fill my throat again.
Life is a journey with many obstacles, but you must find the strength to keep speaking up and fighting for what you believe in.

Contributed by Isabella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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