In the 1980s Russell made four albums credited to the Tom Russell Band. These featured Andrew Hardin and accordionist Fats Kaplin.
In the 1990s Russell made a number of solo albums, collaborated with blues singer Barrence Whitfield on two albums, and also recorded an acoustic album mixing original material with his favorite cowboy-themed songs. His albums include several guest appearances from other folk, country, and Americana artists, such as Chris Gaffney and Dave Alvin. His song "Outbound Plane", co-written with Nanci Griffith, became a Top Ten country hit for Suzy Bogguss. His most significant album from this period is the 1999 folk opera, The Man From God Knows Where.
His more recent albums include "Blood and Candle Smoke" (2009) and "Mesabi" (2011).
East Of Woodstock West Of Viet Nam
Tom Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But me I caught me the great white bird, to the shores of Africay
Where I lost my adolescent heart, to the sound of a talking drum
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
And on the roads outside Oshogbo, Lord I fell down on my knees
There were female spirits in old mud huts,
iron bells ringing up in the trees
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
Raise high the roof beams carpenter boy, yeah we're coming through the rye
In the cinema I saw the man on the moon, I laughed so hard I cried
It was somewhere in those rainy seasons, that I learned to carve my song
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
Oh Africa, Mother Africa, you lay heavy on my breast
You old cradle of civilization, heart of darkness blood and death
Though we had to play you running scared, when the crocodile ate the sun
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
Well I think it's going to rain tonight, I can smell it coming off the sea
As I sit here reading old Graham Greene I taste Africa on every page
Then I close my eyes and see those red clay roads,
and it's sundown and boys I'm gone
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
Raise high the roof beams carpenter boy, yeah we're coming through the rye
It was a moveable feast of war and memory, a dark old lullaby
It was the smoke of a thousand camp fires, it was the wrong end of a gun,
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam.
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
The lyrics of Tom Russell's "East Of Woodstock West Of Viet Nam" expresses the singer's experiences and observations during the 1960s. The song talks about how the singer missed out on the whole hippie culture of the 60s, but traveled to the African continent instead. He talks about how his heart was captured by the sound of a talking drum in Africa, which left him with unforgettable memories. The lyric "Where I lost my adolescent heart, to the sound of a talking drum" suggests that the singer found an unusual but considerable love for Africa and its culture upon hearing the sound of the drum.
Additionally, the singer talks about his experiences during his time in Africa, where he saw spiritual practices and female spirits which he refers to as "juju." The lyric "There were female spirits in old mud huts, iron bells ringing up in the trees" provides a description of what the singer saw in Oshogbo, Nigeria. He also mentions how Africa lays heavy on his breast and refers to it as the "old cradle of civilization." The lyrics further suggest that despite the violence and the struggles experienced in Africa, it still holds a special place in the singer's heart.
In conclusion, Tom Russell's "East Of Woodstock West Of Viet Nam" gives listeners an insight into the impact of travel in the 1960s as seen through the eyes of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
I slept through the Nineteen Sixties, I heard Dory Previn say
I missed out on the cultural explosion of the 60s, but I know of it through Dory Previn's music.
But me I caught me the great white bird, to the shores of Africay
Despite missing out on the 60s, I still sought adventure and traveled to Africa.
Where I lost my adolescent heart, to the sound of a talking drum
In Africa, I fell in love with the music and culture of the people.
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
My travels took me far from my home in the United States.
And on the roads outside Oshogbo, Lord I fell down on my knees
I had a spiritual experience on the roads near Oshogbo in Nigeria.
There were female spirits in old mud huts, iron bells ringing up in the trees
I encountered local beliefs and practices, including spirits and bells.
And an eighty-year-old white priest, she made juju all night long
Even an elderly white priestess took part in local rituals throughout the night.
Raise high the roof beams carpenter boy, yeah we're coming through the rye
Let's party and celebrate life.
In the cinema I saw the man on the moon, I laughed so hard I cried
I was amused and fascinated by the advances in technology and space travel.
It was somewhere in those rainy seasons, that I learned to carve my song
During my stay in Africa, I found my voice and a way to express myself through music.
Oh Africa, Mother Africa, you lay heavy on my breast
I feel a deep connection and sense of responsibility towards Africa.
You old cradle of civilization, heart of darkness blood and death
Africa has a rich history full of ancient civilizations and tragedy.
Though we had to play you running scared, when the crocodile ate the sun
Despite the challenges and danger of traveling in Africa, we still embraced the experience and culture.
Well I think it's going to rain tonight, I can smell it coming off the sea
I sense a change in the environment.
As I sit here reading old Graham Greene I taste Africa on every page
Even when not in Africa, I feel its presence in literature and media.
Then I close my eyes and see those red clay roads, and it's sundown and boys I'm gone
I can vividly imagine and long for the beauty and adventure of Africa.
It was a moveable feast of war and memory, a dark old lullaby
My travels through Africa were a mix of joy and pain, a haunting yet beautiful experience.
It was the smoke of a thousand camp fires, it was the wrong end of a gun
My experience in Africa was full of both peaceful gatherings around campfires and the danger of weapons.
Yeah, East of Woodstock, West of Vietnam
My journey took me far from home, both in distance and experience.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Tom Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joseph Seremak
How wonderful to put words to music. How touching, this song and so many others by Tom Russel.
Ruth R
So fabulous...and orchestra adds a lot, too. song almost gives me goosebumps.
B. Bailey
ah... it's hard to find a poet these days. thanks. great band and orchestra behind him
andrew mathisen
What a lovely and heartbreaking song. THANK YOU.
George Fleet
hey,this is one of a kind,Mr Tom Russel.
thank you tom,hope to go to one or two of your concerts.
but i'll probably get in trouble!!
you're a major part of what i hear often for different parts of my life,like wildness..
Anthony Poole
George Fleet Hoping to catch him on his UK tour this Autumn :D
George Fleet
hope to catch him near seatte if he stops near.where will you see him?
Anne Bardell
Anthony Poole j
Anthony Poole
Anne Merete Meyer Bardell ?
Kit Newton
Fabulous!