Son Volt formed after the breakup of the band Uncle Tupelo, owing to the simmering creative differences between songwriters Farrar and Jeff Tweedy. The group's members lived in Minneapolis, St Louis, and New Orleans at the time. Son Volt is often considered the closest continuance of Uncle Tupelo's Alt-country/Americana sound and musical legacy. Jeff Tweedy would steer his post-Uncle Tupelo group Wilco towards more adventurous sonic territory - and greater critical and commercial success - in a move that has sharply divided fans.
Farrar has released albums under his own name and the Son Volt nameplate, though there is little continuity in supporting band members. After a strong initial showing with 1995's Trace, the original Son Volt lineup released two more records before going on permanent hiatus in 1999. After the original members were unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a reunion, Farrar put together a new version of Son Volt in 2004. The revived Son Volt has regained its creative footing with 2005's confident Okemah and the Melody of Riot. Son Volt went on to release "The Search" in the Spring of 2007.
Creosote
Son Volt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for our worlds to collide, and there you are
All alone
Feeling bad
Interstate movin' again
Barrel through thick and thin, side by side
To survive like creosote
Born under a widespread changes
The search for higher reason
Learning the ropes okay
But fate just runs you around
Born under a widespread changes
The search for higher reason
Learning the ropes okay
But fate just runs you around
From Memphis to New Orleans
In and out of railroad dreams, you're out there
In scenes
Passing by
Everyone faces what they deserve
Carousel to claim or curse, sticking around
At least
For the ride
Born under a widespread changes
The search for higher reason
Learning the ropes okay
But fate just runs you around
In the opening lines of Son Volt’s song Creosote, the singer describes the feeling of loneliness and the hope of encountering someone who can share the burden of living in a difficult world. The images of “barren skies” create a sense of desolation, as if the people in the song are waiting for something to change that never will. When the singer encounters the person they are hoping to find, they are “feeling bad” which could suggest a shared sense of loss or sadness. The line “to survive like creosote” could refer to the plant which is known for its resilience in harsh environments. The plant is also a symbol of self-protection, as it emits a toxic substance to repel predators. This could suggest that the characters in the song are also trying to protect themselves from harm by developing a thick skin against the world around them.
The second verse of the song describes a journey from Memphis to New Orleans, with the singer passing through various “railroad dreams” and observing the people they encounter. The line “everyone faces what they deserve” could be interpreted as a commentary on fate or karma. The carousel imagery suggests that life is full of ups and downs and that people are responsible for their own choices. The repeated refrain “born under a widespread changes” suggests that the characters in the song are products of their environment and that they are struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that is constantly changing. The final line of the song “but fate just runs you around” suggests a sense of powerlessness in the face of larger forces.
Line by Line Meaning
Passing under barren skies
Traveling through a desolate area with nothing much to see.
Waiting for our worlds to collide, and there you are
Anticipating a significant encounter, and it happens to be with the person in question.
All alone
Being by oneself with no one else around.
Feeling bad
Experiencing negative emotions or discontentment.
Interstate movin' again
Traveling along the freeway once again.
Barrel through thick and thin, side by side
Navigating through good and bad times together, come what may.
To survive like creosote
To endure and persist like the hardy desert plant, creosote.
Born under a widespread changes
Being born during a time of significant changes and shifts.
The search for higher reason
Seeking greater understanding or purpose.
Learning the ropes okay
Getting used to how things work, doing alright.
But fate just runs you around
Despite one's efforts and intentions, life's twists and turns can still take you in unexpected directions.
From Memphis to New Orleans
Traveling from one city to another in the southern United States.
In and out of railroad dreams, you're out there
Having fleeting visions or aspirations and being in the midst of it all.
In scenes
Being part of various different situations or scenarios.
Passing by
Continuing on, not stopping, just observing and taking in the surroundings.
Everyone faces what they deserve
The consequences of one's actions may catch up to them in due time.
Carousel to claim or curse, sticking around
Staying in a situation that can either bring success or failure.
At least
A silver lining in a not so great situation, or finding a small amount of solace.
For the ride
Going along with the flow, despite not having control.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAY FARRAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mymiddlenameisearl
Best steel solo I've ever heard. Damn beautiful. Period. Farrar can come up with pure, unique musical genius. A country sound all it's own.
George Torossian
I just saw Jay do a show that celebrates the 20th anniversary of "Trace". Eric Haywood was one of two musicians that joined Jay for the tour. To me, Jay Farrar has one of the most soulful/emotional voices in all of Americana music. A very cerebral writer as well. The best kind of music in the world....
Death or Glory.
So true, Jay has the best voice for roots/ americana, let's not forget Jeff, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco all Great.............Jay/Jeff
Patrice Catanio
I told my friends when I am dying his is the ONLY singing voice I want to hear. So soothing, so real.
Jonathan Stevens
Fantastic comment. Thank you. One of the best country songs I have ever heard. I’ve long said nothing—and I mean nothing— sounds better to my ears than Jay singing at The Cactus Cafe, a listening room, on the UT campus.@Patrice Catanio
Timothy Lewis
Like he never missed a step. Love his voice and his songwriting speaks for itself. Killer steel! Is that Lloyd Greene? ☺️
MikeyRed76
Born under widespread changes. The search for higher reason. Learning the ropes OK. Fate just runs you around. I love this band.
Gilbert Pilz
"from Memphis to New Orleans / in and out of railroad dreams / in scenes / passing by"
Absolutely lovely. Farrar can sometimes be too obtuse for my taste, but the elusive sense of a meaning just beyond our grasp works in this song.
bunnyzero0
Such a great song, great artist!
kenscapes
Love that riff he found in the intro and outro . . and of course that pedal steel