Cabinessence
The Beach Boys Lyrics


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Light the lamp and fire mellow
Cabin essence timely hello
Welcomes the time for a change

Lost and found, you still remain there
You'll find a meadow filled with grain there
I'll give you a home on the range
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

I want to watch you windblown facing
Waves of wheat for your embracing
Folks sing a song of the grange

Nestle in a kiss below there
The constellations ebb and flow there
And witness our home on the range

Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?

Have you seen the grand coolie workin' on the railroad?
Workin' on the railroad? Workin' on the railroad?

Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field

Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
Over and over
The thresher and hover the wheat field





Over and over
The crow cries, uncover the cornfield

Overall Meaning

The song "Cabinessence" by The Beach Boys is a unique track that incorporates a mix of country and early psychedelic sounds. The lyrics of the song are quite cryptic and open to interpretation. The beginning of the song is an invitation, promoting the idea of change and the welcoming of a new era, which is highlighted by the lyrics "Light the lamp and fire mellow, Cabin essence timely hello, Welcomes the time for a change." The song then goes on to describe a journey of sorts, with the singer offering to provide a home on the range for the person they are addressing in the lyrics. They reference a meadow full of grain and encourage the listener to embrace nature.


The chorus of the song repeats the line "Who ran the iron horse?" multiple times, which is perhaps a nod to the expansion of railroads in the United States during the 1800s. There is an underlying theme of progress and change throughout the song, but it is somewhat obscured by the eccentric lyrics. The song touches on the beauty of nature and the changing times, while also questioning the impact of industrialization on the landscape.


Overall, "Cabinessence" remains a mysterious and intriguing track, exploring complex themes through abstract and poetic lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

Light the lamp and fire mellow
Prepare for the upcoming changes


Cabin essence timely hello
The welcoming of new experiences


Welcomes the time for a change
Embrace change


Lost and found, you still remain there
Despite challenges, you are still present


You'll find a meadow filled with grain there
Opportunities to grow and flourish exist in your surroundings


I'll give you a home on the range
A promise of a safe haven


Who ran the iron horse?
Questioning the force behind industrialization


I want to watch you windblown facing
To witness the beauty of the natural world


Waves of wheat for your embracing
Gratitude towards nature's abundance


Folks sing a song of the grange
Appreciating the simple joys of rural living


Nestle in a kiss below there
Finding comfort and affection in the peaceful atmosphere


The constellations ebb and flow there
Observing the changing patterns in the sky


And witness our home on the range
Appreciating the belongingness to a community


Have you seen the grand coolie workin' on the railroad?
Questioning the labor exploitation in the name of progress


The crow cries, uncover the cornfield
The cycle of life and nature's warning signs


The thresher and hover the wheat field
Working hard to reap the blessings of nature




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brian Wilson, Van Dyke Parks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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