Story Behind The Song
The song is a metaphor for all the guilt and despair brought upon oneself when he has engaged in hurtful (to the partner) activities that ruin a marriage.
Song Description
In this song a man ties his woman to a railroad track, and turns away as the "Big Northern" rolls across her, muffling her screams beneath the sound of the roaring engine.
He becomes haunted (by the screams he didn't hear)and has feelings of deep guilt
| Song Length |
3:32 |
Genre |
Country - Rock, Rock - Hard Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Troubled, Aggressive |
Subject |
Judgement, Murder, Rape |
| Similar Artists |
Tom Waits, Bob Dylan |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1980 - 1989 |
| |
Lyrics
I tied her across the railroad track
And the Big Norhtern come as I turned my back
Her screams got muffled by the engine roar
And I never thought I'd hear from her no more
There are no walls as thick as this air
No chains heavier than guilt and despair
Nevr knew what a man was capable of
'Til I let myself break the laws of love
CHORUS: Woods burn down and rivers bend
To make a new way for the born again
Now I hear those screams that couldn't be heard
Feel fire from the breath of every rewound word
Her spirit hovers over every road I've gone
Pushing salvation on this heart of stone
Down on my knees I feel pressure there
Now it hurts to believe that she really did care
North wind rattles a bobcat tree
As I call to the Lord to rescue me