This is how it starts and how it ends
you're in my heart
but not my head
even after this train is 'round the bend
I feel the shame
of what I've said
but easyness is too hard to pretend
and I would do
this all again
I got my union card
I work way too hard
I am a brakeman
I stop the train
I am a brakeman
I can't complain
The kids are barely old enough to know
that this is home
don't let it show
but you bring me to such historic lows
it's just too much
I have to go
You can't pick up a dime
and I hate splitting time
I am a brakeman
I stop the train
I am a brakeman
I am to blame
I can't stand the sight of this place
I can't look my son in the face
but I can understand a man's disgrace
How it came to this is hard to tell
from lovers' bliss
to my farewell
I think that you should do
whatever is best for you
But I am a brakeman
I stop the train
I am a brakeman
and I shall remain
* * *
Background:
Lyrics: Inspired by a conversation I had with my dad in the car on a long ride in April of 2008, when I found out that he was a brakeman on a train for a year or two back in the '60s. Right on. Sort of turned it into a divorce song about a guy who works on a train. it's a metaphor. or whatever.
Music: I've been playing the main riff progression of this song for YEARS, and I can't remember how long it's been sitting around. At least since '05, possibly much longer. The chorus and one bridge were written much more recently, and I think I've added a coda from an older jam, too - though not quite as old as the original riff. It's got lots and lots of real chords and subtle variations, mostly of E and A, which are the two chords I play a lot. I know. The "chugging along" strumming nature of the progression makes me feel like I'm on a moving train. Or that's what I'd like you to believe.
