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).
Outbound Plane feat. Suzy Bogguss
Tom Russell Lyrics
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With this ticket for this outbound plane
Cause I've been here before
And somehow this doesn't feel the same
Talk is cheap so we could talk all night long
We may never figure out just where your love went wrong
And I ain't gonna want to be talking here
And I ain't gonna really care who's to blame
If love won't fly out on its own free will
It's going to catch that outbound plane
The old folks say that love's not forever any more
Because these young people walk away from love alone to pace the floor
Young or old guys say that love is still the same
And you may walk away from love but you'll fall head and heels again
Two lonely hearts in this airport knowing
Neither cares where that other heart is going
That frown your wearing's just your halo turned upside down
Where is the laughter we once shared back in the lost and found?
These broken wings are gonna leave me here to stand my ground
And you can have this ticket to that lonely plane that's flying outside
The lyrics of Tom Russell's song "Outbound Plane" are about a person who is trying to escape a failed relationship by taking a flight out of town. The singer expresses feelings of deja vu and uncertainty as they realize they have been in this situation before. They acknowledge that talking about the break-up won't fix anything and that it may be impossible to understand why the love turned sour. However, they are determined to leave and not waste any more time trying to salvage the relationship. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that love might not last forever anymore and that people often give up on relationships too easily. The song ends with a bittersweet note as the two lovers part ways in the airport, with neither knowing where the other is headed.
The lyrics of "Outbound Plane" are open to interpretation, and they can touch different people in different ways. Some may relate to the feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness that come after a break-up, while others might find hope in the singer's determination to move forward. The use of airplane imagery and the idea of escaping is powerful and evocative, emphasizing the sense of urgency and the desire to leave everything behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't want to be standing here
I don't want to be stuck in this place
With this ticket for this outbound plane
Holding a ticket for a flight that's leaving
Cause I've been here before
I've experienced this same situation previously
And somehow this doesn't feel the same
But this time it feels different
Talk is cheap so we could talk all night long
Talking won't necessarily resolve our current situation
We may never figure out just where your love went wrong
We might not be able to understand why love has failed
And I ain't gonna want to be talking here
I won't even want to discuss it anymore
And I ain't gonna really care who's to blame
I won't even be concerned with pointing fingers
If love won't fly out on its own free will
If love doesn't come naturally
It's going to catch that outbound plane
It will leave us behind and go away
The old folks say that love's not forever any more
Elders often believe that love isn't everlasting these days
Because these young people walk away from love alone to pace the floor
Because younger generations leave relationships and deal with heartbreak solo
Young or old guys say that love is still the same
Regardless, many people believe love remains unchanged
And you may walk away from love but you'll fall head and heels again
Even if one leaves love, they might end up falling for someone else soon
Two lonely hearts in this airport knowing
Two hearts feeling alone and helpless in an airport
Neither cares where that other heart is going
Both people don't bother knowing where the other is headed
That frown your wearing's just your halo turned upside down
That sad expression you're wearing is just the opposite of your happy self
Where is the laughter we once shared back in the lost and found?
We cannot find the joy and happiness that we once had
These broken wings are gonna leave me here to stand my ground
I'll be left behind with my broken spirit and resistance
And you can have this ticket to that lonely plane that's flying outside
You can take this lonely flight and leave me behind
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NANCI GRIFFITH, TOM RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shirleyjennings5787
I like this song.
@1236212peter
what a singer gone yourself suzy fantastic P Maloney
@halrice770
What a woman.
@n0tyham
Like Juice Newton too Katie!
@mattyust6127
Indigo Girls song if I'm not mistaken...
@robertblau7732
They did "Airplane". This is a Nanci Griffith song.