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 Next Thing Smokin
Tom Russell Lyrics
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I followed an abandoned railroad track
Trains they used run from Bisbee out to Juarez
But the copper mines are closed and the trains ain't comin' back
This here's the of stolen ponies
Rattlesnakes and poison water wells
Each god-forsaken mile leads right to heaven
But tryin' to please that woman
Put me on the next thing smokin'
Put me on the next train out of here
This heart ain't made for bein' broken
Well she ain't my conductor and she ain't my engineer
Put me on the next thing leavin'
The northern or the southern hemisphere
Put me on the next thing smokin'
Put me on the next train outta here I'm bound to ride
I got my pride
I'm bound to ride
I'm bound to ride
I made it to the ghost town of Hachita
I got drunk in the Hachita General store
I passed the place Geronimo surrendered
Well Geronimo he just couldn't take it anymore
I'll hitchhike from Columbus to El Paso
Where I can catch an Amtrak or a freight
I've walked 300 miles across these bad-lands (yeah) buddy
I have made my great escape
Put me on the next thing smokin'
Put me on the next train out of here
This heart ain't made for bein' broken
Well she ain't my conductor and she ain't my engineer
Put me on the next thing leavin'
The northern or the southern hemisphere
Put me on the next thing smokin'
Put me on the next train outta here I'm bound to ride
I got my pride
I'm bound to ride
I'm bound to ride
The song "The Next Thing Smokin" by Tom Russell tells the story of a man who lives in Southern Arizona and decides to leave his town due to a failed relationship. He mentions the abandoned railroad track that used to run through the town and how the mines have closed, leading to the demise of his town. Throughout the song, the singer expresses his desire to leave and start anew, making reference to the hardships in his area, such as stolen ponies, rattlesnakes, and poison water wells.
However, in the midst of his departure, he reflects on the history of the area and mentions the ghost town of Hachita, where Geronimo surrendered. Despite the rough terrain, he is determined to make his escape, and he eventually hitches a ride to El Paso, where he hopes to catch a train out of town. The chorus repeats the phrase "put me on the next thing smokin'" emphasizing his strong desire to leave and move on from his past relationship.
The song conveys a sense of restlessness, with the singer feeling trapped and wanting to escape his current situation. It also touches on the idea of history and the changes that come with time. The deserted railroad track and closed mines symbolize the passing of an era and the singer's longing for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I live out in Southern Arizona
I reside in the southern region of the state of Arizona.
I followed an abandoned railroad track
I traced a railroad track that is no longer in use.
Trains they used run from Bisbee out to Juarez
Trains used to ply the route from Bisbee to Juarez.
But the copper mines are closed and the trains ain't comin' back
Since the copper mines have shut down, the trains no longer operate.
This here's the of stolen ponies
This area is notorious for the theft of horses.
Rattlesnakes and poison water wells
The locality is replete with venomous snakes and wells contaminated with hazardous substances.
Each god-forsaken mile leads right to heaven
Every arduous mile traversed leads to a place of tranquility and peace.
But tryin' to please that woman
However, attempting to satisfy that woman is a daunting task.
Was hell
It was a miserable experience.
Put me on the next thing smokin'
Arrange for my immediate departure.
Put me on the next train out of here
Arrange for me to board the subsequent departing train.
This heart ain't made for bein' broken
I am not equipped to withstand the crushing pain of heartbreak.
Well she ain't my conductor and she ain't my engineer
She has no bearing on my journey, as she is neither the conductor nor the engineer.
Put me on the next thing leavin'
Make arrangements for me to depart on the succeeding mode of transportation.
The northern or the southern hemisphere
Either hemisphere (north or south) would suffice for my next destination.
I'm bound to ride
I am committed to continuing my travels.
I got my pride
I have my self-respect.
I made it to the ghost town of Hachita
I arrived in the abandoned town of Hachita.
I got drunk in the Hachita General store
I imbibed alcohol in the Hachita General store.
I passed the place Geronimo surrendered
I went by the site where Geronimo surrendered.
Well Geronimo he just couldn't take it anymore
Geronimo was overwhelmed and could no longer endure the situation.
I'll hitchhike from Columbus to El Paso
I will hitchhike my way from Columbus to El Paso.
Where I can catch an Amtrak or a freight
I will board either an Amtrak or a freight train in El Paso.
I've walked 300 miles across these bad-lands (yeah) buddy
I have walked for 300 miles across these barren, rugged terrain, my friend.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KATY MOFFATT, TOM RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind