The band went on to record several successful albums and was popular on the late-1960s concert and festival circuit, with performances at the Fillmore West, in San Francisco; the Fillmore East, in New York City; the Monterey Pop Festival; and Woodstock. The band split in 1971.
Two Trains Running
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But there's not one going my way
Yeah, when one runs at midnight
Are they just for a day
Are they just for a day
Are they just for a day
I went down to my baby's house
And I'd sat down on the steps
My old man just left
He just now left
Oh, my old man left"
Yes, I wish I was a catfish
Swimming in the deep blue sea
And all you pretty women
Fishing after me
Fishing after me
Fishing after me
I went down to my baby's house
And I sat down on your steps
Said, "Come on in here, baby
My old man just left
He just now left
Oh, my old man left"
Well, she's long and she's tall
And she shakes like a willow tree
Say she's no good
She's alright with me
She's alright with me
She's alright with me
Oh, little girl's alright
Oh, yeah, she gives me loving
In the morning
Little girl, loving, baby
She's alright with me
She's alright
She's alright, uh
"Two Trains Running" is a blues song by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, released in 1966. In the song, the singer expresses his frustration about being unable to catch a train that suits his needs. He notices that there are two trains running but neither of them is going his way. He wonders if the trains will be running just for the day or if there is some hope of catching one in the future. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and confusion that arise when one faces situations beyond their control.
The central metaphor of the song revolves around the idea of two trains running, which symbolize the different paths one can take in life. The singer seems to be stuck at a crossroads, unable to choose between the two options. The line "Are they just for a day?" suggests that he is worried about missing an opportunity that might never come back. He then goes to his lover's house, hoping to find some solace, but even there, he faces the same kind of uncertainty. The line "My old man just left" refers to the singer's competition with his lover's previous partner. He then shifts his focus to a completely different subject, expressing his desire to be a catfish swimming in the deep blue sea, away from all the troubles of the world.
Overall, "Two Trains Running" is a poignant blues song that speaks to the human condition of being trapped in situations that are beyond our control. It also reflects the themes of existentialism and freedom that were prevalent in the 1960s.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, there's two trains running
There are two paths in life to choose from.
But there's not one going my way
Neither of the paths feel like the right fit for me.
Yeah, when one runs at midnight
Even when the opportunity arises, it may not be the right one for me.
Are they just for a day
Is the opportunity only temporary?
Are they just for a day
Is the opportunity only temporary?
Are they just for a day
Is the opportunity only temporary?
I went down to my baby's house
I went to spend time with my lover.
And I'd sat down on the steps
I relaxed and took a break from life's struggles.
Said, "Come on in here, baby
My lover welcomed me into the home.
My old man just left
My lover's previous partner has recently left.
He just now left
Their previous partner has just left very recently.
Oh, my old man left"
The previous partner of my lover has departed.
Yes, I wish I was a catfish
I desire to be free and independent like a catfish in its natural habitat.
Swimming in the deep blue sea
Navigating through life's obstacles with ease and grace.
And all you pretty women
Seeking attention and affection from multiple attractive women.
Fishing after me
Attracting the attention of multiple women who desire his love.
Fishing after me
Attracting the attention of multiple women who desire his love.
Fishing after me
Attracting the attention of multiple women who desire his love.
I went down to my baby's house
Returning to my lover's home.
And I sat down on your steps
I relaxed in the presence of my lover.
Said, "Come on in here, baby
My lover welcomed me into their home.
My old man just left
My lover's previous partner has recently left.
He just now left
Their previous partner has just left very recently.
Oh, my old man left"
The previous partner of my lover has departed.
Well, she's long and she's tall
My lover is physically attractive and impressive.
And she shakes like a willow tree
My lover is sexually alluring and enticing.
Say she's no good
Other people may criticize and condemn my partner.
She's alright with me
Despite criticism from others, I love and accept my partner.
She's alright with me
Despite criticism from others, I love and accept my partner.
She's alright with me
Despite criticism from others, I love and accept my partner.
Oh, little girl's alright
My lover is more than just physically beautiful, she has worth and value to me.
Oh, yeah, she gives me loving
My lover is affectionate and loving towards me.
In the morning
My lover's love for me is consistent and present in all times of the day.
Little girl, loving, baby
My lover's love for me is caring, sweet, and intimate.
She's alright with me
Despite criticism from others, I love and accept my partner.
She's alright
I am content and happy with the love and affection of my partner.
She's alright, uh
I am satisfied with the person that she is, flaws and all.
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dave Stahl
Hadn't heard this in years. What a great band. Bloomfield's incisive solo just screams!
jeffrey lovell
I've always loved how Mike Bloomfield could get that telecaster to scream. Under appreciated, very.
John willow
+jeffrey lovell It was a Gibson Goldtop Les Paul on this song.
EL KennedyStrat
with P-90's? Great tone from MikeyMike!!
Thomas Clark
Jones , Bloomfield , Taylor and a few others don't get the credit they're due
Robert Eckley
Unfortunately, their life style didn’t help in the case of Jones and Bloomfield. Taylor chose the blues over Jagger’s ego and the Stone’s direction ... Most musicians of any substance acknowledge these great players..
Kathleen Phillips
Timeless music.
Richard Caputo
This is the 2nd rendition I’ve heard, the other by the Blues Project 1966 studio. Each has its place. Personally I like the BP version - it just sits so well with the lyrics. Sounds like the setting is some Old South country town, bayou country like. The mood gets more elemental, nighttime, mysterious - and the playing in retrospect for 1966 is ahead of its
Richard Caputo
time. This was well before Monterey Pop And Woodstock so except for little blues enclaves scattered throughout the U.S. music was mostly confined to AM pop music. Things got a bit better when FM stereo radio began around 1967 and the DJ’s had more control over content and also could play cuts much longer than then 3 minute time frame. After the big festivals it seemed everything just took off in different directions.Yup - those early times in the late 60’s early 70’s had some of the best music - but then again, that’s only my opinion. But it was great to live through those times! RichieC
Louiss Bass
The Paul Butterfield blues band nothing more blissful