The Box Tops were an American band of the 60s that combined soul and rock m… Read Full Bio ↴The Box Tops were an American band of the 60s that combined soul and rock music into a popular sound epitomized by their famous single "The Letter". The band was fronted by teenaged singer Alex Chilton, and for their studio recordings after "The Letter", consisted solely of Chilton and Memphis studio musicians. For live performances, Chilton was joined by Tom Boggs (drums), Rick Allen (bass), Gary Talley (guitar), and Bill Cunningham (organ). A popular original member before their first hit was Larry Spillman (drums). Spillman, who dated Cybil Shepherd during their high school years, left the band to to play college and pro baseball.

The band existed from 1967 to 1970, after which Chilton went on to lead the legendary Big Star.

The single "Neon Rainbow" was used in television adverts for the UK telecoms company, Talk Talk, in 2009/2010.

I'm Movin' On
The Box Tops Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I warned you, baby, from time to time
You don't listen so pay me no mind
About movin' on, yeah I'm a moving on
I'm through with you, too bad you're blue, I'll move on.

Mr. Engineer with your throttle in hand
Take me back to that Southern land
It called moving, keep a-rolling on

You're flying too high for my old sky, I'll move on

Mr. Fireman, please woncha listen to me
I got a woman in Tennessee
Keep on moving, keep a-rolling on
You're flying too high, it's all over now, I move on

Yes I'm gonna move, I'm gonna move
Said I'm gonna move, gotta go home
I gotta go home, I gotta go home
Well tell you
I I I, I going home
I I I, I going home
I I I, I going home
I've gotta go home
I've gotta go baby
I gotta keep rolling and I'm gonna move
I said I'm gonna move, baby

I said goin' goin' home
I'm going home, darling.

Overall Meaning

The Box Tops' hit "I'm Movin' On" is a song about leaving a relationship behind and moving on. The song's lyrics describe how the singer has warned their partner that they were going to leave but the partner did not listen. The lyrics are clear that the relationship is over, and the singer is determined to move on. The first verse sets the tone, with the singer telling the partner that they are through with them and that they will move on. The second and third verses speak directly to an engineer and fireman on a train, asking them to take the singer back to the South or to Tennessee, respectively. The final verses repeat that the singer is going home and moving on.

The song's lyrics are poignant, and they reflect a common human experience. Many people find themselves in relationships that are not working or have ended, and they need to move on. The song's message is clear: sometimes, it is necessary to leave a relationship and start fresh. The decision to leave is not always easy, but the singer in "I'm Movin' On" is firm in their resolve.

Overall, "I'm Movin' On" is a timeless classic that resonates with many listeners. The song's catchy tune and relatable lyrics make it a beloved piece of music that continues to endure.

Line by Line Meaning

I warned you, baby, from time to time
I have cautioned you previously, my dear, on occasion

You don't listen so pay me no mind
However, you have disregarded my advice and paid no attention to me.

About movin' on, yeah I'm a moving on
I am informing you that I will be leaving and moving forward.

I'm through with you, too bad you're blue, I'll move on.
Our relationship is over, despite your disappointment, I am leaving for good.

Mr. Engineer with your throttle in hand
Hey, train driver, with your hand on the accelerator

Take me back to that Southern land
Please take me back to the southern region of the country

It called moving, keep a-rolling on
I have an urge to travel, so let's keep moving forward

You're flying too high for my old sky, I'll move on
However, you are traveling too high for my taste, so I must leave to pursue my own endeavors.

Mr. Fireman, please woncha listen to me
Hey, fireman, could you kindly pay attention to me,

I got a woman in Tennessee
I have a girlfriend in Tennessee

You're flying too high, it's all over now, I move on
But again, you're moving too high, so it is best for me to leave and begin a new chapter in my life.

Yes I'm gonna move, I'm gonna move
Yes, I am definitely going to move on

Said I'm gonna move, gotta go home
I just mentioned that I am going to move, and I must return home

Well tell you
Let me tell you

I I I, I going home
I am repeating that I will be going home.

I've gotta go home
I must emphasize that I have to go home.

I've gotta go baby
I have to leave, my sweetheart.

I gotta keep rolling and I'm gonna move
I have the urge to keep traveling and must move on from this stage of my life.

I said I'm gonna move, baby
I have reiterated that I am moving on, my love.

I said goin' goin' home
I said that I am going home.

I'm going home, darling.
I am heading home, my dear.

Contributed by Blake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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