I'm actually in Carman, Illinois right now as we're off visiting friends, but I've spent the past week with my dear friend Dana in Kansas. Near where she lives is a rail track and you can hear the train horns sounding day and night so every day I've had this song in my head.
Formed in 1970 after drummer John Hartman had arrived in California in 1969 determined to meet Skip Spence from Moby Grape with a view to joining the band. Spence introduced him to some other people and end up forming a band of their own - The Doobie Brothers.
Their second album, 'Toulouse Street', saw them shoot to fame with hits such as 'Listen To The Music' and this weeks song, 'Long Train Runnin'', was on their second hit album 'The Captain & Me' released in 1973.
Initially when he wrote it Tom Johnston, guitarist and vocalist for the band , thought it was just a throwaway bar song but it became one of their most memorable hits as well as a song that continued to be covered and to be a hit over 20 years after it had been released.
With it's ultra-hooky guitar intro it is also a popular karaoke favourite and I even did it at karaoke this week!!
Hope you all enjoy it and I'll catch you all next week!!
The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'
Down around the corner
A half a mile from here
You can see them long trains run
And you watch them disappear
Without love
Where would you be now
Without love
You know I saw Miss Lucy
Down along the tracks
She lost her home and her family
And she won't be comin' back
Without love
Where would you be right now
Without love
Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Gotta keep on pushin' mama
'Cause you know they're runnin' late
Without love
Where would you be now, na-na-now
Without love
Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Gotta keep on pushin' mama
'Cause you know they're runnin' late
Without love
Where would you be now
Without love
Well the pistons keep on churnin'
And the wheels go 'round and 'round
And the steel rails are cold and hard
For the miles that they go down
Without love
Where would you be right now
Without love
Where would you be now
1 comment:
The Doobies is one of my favorite bands from the 70s. The early albums up though Stampede are my faves. Once Michael McDonald joined the band, the sound of the band changed dramatically. Not that it was bad as it wasn't and I like many McDonald led songs and albums. That said, and with no disrespect to Mr. McDonald, but I personally prefer the singing and songwriting of Tom Johnston and also Patrick Simmons. Therefore I am pleased that the song you chose this week is from the Johnston Led group. Just my two cents.
BTW, I always enjoy your weekly contributions and commentary, You also expose me to some music that I'm not familiar with, so I am glad for the education.
Rock on,
Richie
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