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).
The Dutchman
Tom Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To keep his thumb jambed in a dam that holds his dreams in.
But that's a secret only Margaret knows.
When Amsterdam is golden
In the morning Margaret brings him breakfast. She believes him.
He thinks the tulips bloom beneath the snow.
He's mad as he can be, but Margaret only sees that sometimes.
Sometimes she sees her unborn children in his eyes.
Let us go to the banks of the ocean,
Where the walls rise a-bove the Zuider Zee.
Long a-go, I used to be a young man.
Now dear Margaret re-members that for me.
Tom Russell's song, The Dutchman, tells the story of a man who refuses to give up on his dreams despite the constant struggles and hardships he's faced with in his life. The Dutchman is a strong-willed man who is determined to live life on his own terms and not let anyone or anything get in the way of his dreams. However, his dreams are not shared by the rest of his community, and he is seen as mad by most of the people in his village. The only person who truly believes in him is his wife, Margaret, who stands by him through thick and thin, even when he's at his worst.
The song's opening verse sets the stage for the story, introducing The Dutchman and his stubborn determination to live life on his own terms. It also establishes the deep connection and trust he shares with his wife, Margaret. The second verse gives us a glimpse into their daily routine, highlighting the tenderness and affection shared between them, contrasting against the madness and isolation experienced by The Dutchman. The final verse takes us back in time, reminding us of what was lost but never forgotten - the young man filled with hope who was once a part of The Dutchman's soul. Margaret is the sole keeper of his memory, and in her heart, the young man still lives.
The Dutchman is a tragic and bittersweet love song that beautifully captures the essence of human connection, the pursuit of dreams, and the passage of time. The song's mesmerizing melody and poignant lyrics have made it a staple of folk music and an enduring classic.
Line by Line Meaning
The Dutchman is not the kind of man
To keep his thumb jambed in a dam that holds his dreams in.
The Dutchman is a dreamer who refuses to let anyone or anything hold him back.
But that's a secret only Margaret knows.
Margaret is the only one who knows about the depth of the Dutchman's dreams.
When Amsterdam is golden
In the morning Margaret brings him breakfast. She believes him.
Margaret fully supports the Dutchman in his dreams, even when they seem impossible.
He thinks the tulips bloom beneath the snow.
The Dutchman sees beauty and potential in things that others would overlook or consider impossible.
He's mad as he can be, but Margaret only sees that sometimes.
The Dutchman's passion for his dreams can sometimes come across as madness, but Margaret still loves and supports him.
Sometimes she sees her unborn children in his eyes.
Margaret sees a future with the Dutchman and envisions their future children in his eyes.
Let us go to the banks of the ocean,
Where the walls rise a-bove the Zuider Zee.
The singer invites the listener to a specific location that holds significance to the story.
Long a-go, I used to be a young man.
Now dear Margaret re-members that for me.
The singer reflects on his past and turns to Margaret to help him remember it clearly.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL PETER SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind