The group was initiated by Jon Langford (also of the Waco Brothers and The Mekons) as a covers group, with a constantly shifting repertory and cast of backing members. The name was first used for Langford's 1995 album of Johnny Cash cover songs. In 1998, Langford enlisted the help of a number of prominent alt-country musicians (including Neko Case, Alejandro Escovedo, and Robbie Fulks) for a full-length tribute album to Bob Wills. Their second LP, The Executioner's Last Songs, was released in 2002 and is a collection of songs about death. Following this record's success, the group recorded two more albums of songs about death as benefits for the Illinois Coalition Against the Death Penalty. These albums featured such guests as Steve Earle and Mark Eitzel. The group rarely performs live, though it occasionally does special performances in the Chicago area. In 2007 the group appeared as backing band on Chumbawamba member Danbert Nobacon's solo album The Library Book of the World, as well as playing live with Nobacon.
Trouble In Mind
The Pine Valley Cosmonauts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I won't be blue always,
Because the sun's gonna shine
In my back door someday.
I'm gonna lay my head
On some lonesome railroad line
And let that 2:19
--- Instrumental ---
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
And I've almost lost my mind
Sometimes I feel like livin'
Sometimes I feel like dyin'.
I'm going down to the river
I'm going to buy me a rockin' chair
And if the blues don't leave me
I'm goin' to rock away from here.
--- Instrumental ---
Trouble in mind, I'm blue,
My ole heart is a-beating slow
I never had so much trouble
In my life before.
My good gal she's gone to Sydney
And it sure did grieve my mind
When you see me laughing
I'm just a-trying to keep from cryin'.
Trouble In Mind...
The opening lines of The Pine Valley Cosmonauts' song Trouble In Mind convey a sense of sadness and melancholy that is often associated with the blues genre. The singer acknowledges that they are feeling blue, but also expresses hope that their mood will eventually brighten. They trust that the sun will shine on them someday, bringing them out of their current emotional slump.
The following verse takes on a more fatalistic tone, as the singer considers the idea of laying their head on a railroad track and letting the 2:19 train pass over them. This is a reference to a common trope in blues music, where the singer is so down on their luck that they contemplate suicide. However, the fact that the singer only wants the train to "pass through" their mind suggests that they are not seriously considering ending their life. They may simply be looking for an escape from their troubles.
The final verse talks about the singer's difficulty coping with the absence of their significant other, who has gone to Sydney. They are trying to put on a brave face and laugh, but deep down they are hurting. The song ends without a clear resolution, leaving the listener to imagine whether the singer will find a way to overcome their troubles or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
I am feeling down and troubled
But I won't be blue always,
I know this feeling will pass
Because the sun's gonna shine
Things will get better
In my back door someday.
I will see brighter days soon
I'm gonna lay my head
I am going to rest
On some lonesome railroad line
In a desolate place
And let that 2:19
Allow the train to pass
Pass through my worried mind.
To help me clear my thoughts
Trouble in mind, I'm blue
My troubles continue
And I've almost lost my mind
I am barely holding on
Sometimes I feel like livin'
At times, I feel hopeful
Sometimes I feel like dyin'.
But other times, I feel like giving up
I'm going down to the river
I am heading towards the water
I'm going to buy me a rockin' chair
To help me relax and unwind
And if the blues don't leave me
If my sadness persists
I'm goin' to rock away from here.
I'll try to find peace and comfort
Trouble in mind, I'm blue,
My woes persist
My ole heart is a-beating slow
I am feeling tired and worn out
I never had so much trouble
I have never experienced this much difficulty
In my life before.
This is a new and challenging situation
My good gal she's gone to Sydney
My loved one has left me for Sydney
And it sure did grieve my mind
This has caused me great sorrow
When you see me laughing
Despite everything, when you see me smile
I'm just a-trying to keep from cryin'.
It's only a facade to hide my pain
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Richard M. Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind