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Joe Ely — Boxcars
Album: Joe Ely
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1535









Released: 1977
Length: 3:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Well I gave all my money to the banker this month
Now I got no more money to spend
She smiled when she saw me comin' through that door
When I left she said, "Come back again."
I watched them lonesome boxcar wheels
Turnin' down the tracks out of town
And it's on that lonesome railroad track
I'm gonna lay my burden down.

I was raised on a farm the first years of my life
Life was pretty good they say
I'll probably live to be some ripe ol' age
If death'll stay out of my way
This world can take my money and time
But it sure can't take my soul
I'm goin' down to the railroad tracks
Watch them lonesome boxcars roll

There's some big ol' Buicks at the Baptist church
Caddilacs at the Church of Christ
I parked my camel by an ol' haystack
I'll be lookin for that needle all night
There ain't gonna be no radial tires
Turnin' down the streets of gold
I'm goin down to the railroad tracks
And watch them lonesome boxcars roll

Now if you ever heard the whistle on a fast freight train
Beatin' out a beautiful tune
If you ever seen the cold blue railroad tracks
Shinin' by the light of the moon
If you ever felt the locomotive shake the ground
I know you don't have to be told
Why I'm goin down to the railroad tracks
And watch them lonesome boxcars roll.

Yeah, I'm goin down to the railroad tracks
Watch them lonesome boxcars roll
Comments (128)add comment
 ezzyme wrote:

Much credit to this classic recorded in 1977!

it still sounds fresh today!
c.

Posted 1 year ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Much credit to this classic recorded in 1977!
Posted 1 year ago by ezzyme    [ Reply ]
 eyke wrote:

Throw in Jimmie Dale Gilmore and you'll have the Flatlanders, another excellent group.

I must concur wholeheartedly.
Posted 2 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
 C_Lockhart wrote:

Written by Butch Hancock, worth seeking out his work as well.


Throw in Jimmie Dale Gilmore and you'll have the Flatlanders, another excellent group.
Posted 2 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
rating is higher for the lyrics...I can hear the distant train whistle now
Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
was thinking this was a tribute to Hank Williams or Townes van Zandt and thank the post that names the writer - Butch Hancock - will look into his other music
Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
I listen to country and bluegrass, raised on the stuff but this is new to me. Once again, big thx Bill
Posted 2 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
OH Wow! Once again RP introduces to me music I've never heard, and I love it!
Posted 3 years ago by sonicsurfer    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:
Glad you like it - you might notice it was released in 1978 (!!) Way, way, WAY ahead of its time.
Lubbock has produced a surprising number of highly influential songwriters.
c.



I honestly don't understand what was so ahead of its time about this. Every piece of art or anything else takes place when it does. Looking back, it's possible to see how one piece influenced others that came later. But when looked at clearly, this phrase means nothing, unless one has access to a time traveling option. Then, I suppose it's possible to insert a piece that is truly ahead of its time. This could explain a lot, but I actually don't think so.
Posted 3 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
 Jayesea wrote:

First time hearing this song (thanks once again, RP).  Fantastic stuff.  I really dig the bassline on it.

Glad you like it - you might notice it was released in 1978 (!!) Way, way, WAY ahead of its time.
Lubbock has produced a surprising number of highly influential songwriters.
c.

Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this song (thanks once again, RP).  Fantastic stuff.  I really dig the bassline on it.
Posted 3 years ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
Personally, I hear more blues than country in this song. Maybe blues from a white guy in Texas ends up sounding vaguely "country?" Either way, I like it. Then again, I generally fall down on the "blues" side of the blues or jazz spectrum.
Posted 3 years ago by Kajukenbo    [ Reply ]
First listen and loving it. 8 for now.
Posted 4 years ago by SRAY    [ Reply ]
Fuzzed-out slide guitar on pre-alt-country gold?  Here's an 8!
Posted 4 years ago by pcicatar    [ Reply ]
Never heard of him until this minute. 7. Why I listen to RP.
Posted 4 years ago by Piranga    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:

this ain't " country" it is Americana, or rock and roll. " listen to a " country " station you shure as hell wont hear this....{#Eek}
 
You should give 'KGID' a try. Tiny little station in Giddings TX, also on the interwebs. It doesn't get more country than KGID, but the breadth and depth of their catalog is incredible. And yes, they play Joe Ely. And Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Merle, Loretta, Charlie (Daniels and Pride),  Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb...
c.
Posted 5 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Ah, a Flatlander! 
Posted 6 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Most Excellent        :o)         Connecticut  
Posted 6 years ago by pfwashburn    [ Reply ]
a hole in the universe was ripped
by strings and cords
and the ghost of dead
cowboys and poets
waltzed in

Dr. Strangelove
Posted 6 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
Bumped it up to nine.  looking for that needle all night.  in Happyland?
Posted 7 years ago by dziebell    [ Reply ]
Written by Butch Hancock, worth seeking out his work as well.
Posted 7 years ago by C_Lockhart    [ Reply ]
Joe who? Arlo? Coming into Los Ange-leees. 

 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
The second song from this guy today. Enough already! {#Stop}{#Stop}{#Stop}
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
A little railroad boxcar theme, eh? Nice!
Posted 9 years ago by dkgillett    [ Reply ]
Most excellent
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
An oft-overlooked Texas treasure.
Posted 9 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
 ïœ«mazzy wrote:
Just upped my rating with listening to the playing at the end. Good stuff!
 
I just did the exact same thing.  Up to 8 for the instrumental riffs! 
Posted 10 years ago by NCEyeballKid    [ Reply ]
Just upped my rating with listening to the playing at the end. Good stuff!
Posted 10 years ago by mazzy    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:

this ain't " country" it is Americana, or rock and roll. " listen to a " country " station you shure as hell wont hear this....{#Eek}

 
That is quite true...the people who jump to the defense of country music here never seem to have actually listened to a country station...
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:
I really dislike what passes for country on mainstream radio these days, and generally most country leaves me cold with only a few exceptions.
But Bill sure knows what to best intersperse into his playlist to make me like far more than I thought I did.

 
this ain't " country" it is Americana, or rock and roll. " listen to a " country " station you shure as hell wont hear this....{#Eek}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 dig wrote:
What is not to like about this song? Lyrics, melody, instrumentation, Rock. Easy 9.

 

good ear....
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 oldsaxon wrote:

He sings better than I do.

 

yep.....
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
I guess we are in the 'guys that rock and sway but can't sing well' playlist showcase.

 
He sings better than I do.
Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
love this! 
Posted 11 years ago by CrackerjaxATX    [ Reply ]
 lkovathana wrote:
A song for these times ...

 
It is, isn't it? Kind of sad, really. The more things change, the more they stay the same...
Posted 11 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
What is not to like about this song? Lyrics, melody, instrumentation, Rock. Easy 9.
Posted 11 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
Another song that I'd love to know how they got that massive guitar tone. Cool bass line, too.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
I guess we are in the 'guys that rock and sway but can't sing well' playlist showcase.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Love hearing Joe Ely on RP. He's been a fixture of the Austin scene forever, which makes some of the comments seem funny.

This still sounds fresh, and relevant, all these years on...
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
had to turn up the amp...did that with the last song, too...any more of this and my valves will burn
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
Nice combining with the previous Eilen Jewell "Dusty bocar wall"! While listening to it, I was thinking of this great Joe Ely song...
Posted 12 years ago by spij    [ Reply ]
I really dislike what passes for country on mainstream radio these days, and generally most country leaves me cold with only a few exceptions.
But Bill sure knows what to best intersperse into his playlist to make me like far more than I thought I did.
Posted 12 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
 RocknAustin wrote:
Joe puts on a rock'n gooood show.  Catch him if you can!
 
Cool - thanks for the tip!  Love this song.  I just checked and what do you know?  He will be playing Seattle on Nov 21!  At the Triple Door no less, excellent small venue.

Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
Me like a lot. Had not heard before. Thank you!

{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Wow, this is one of the best songs I've never heard... till now. Great meld of storytelling and musicianship.

Posted 13 years ago by olivertwist    [ Reply ]
A song for these times ...
Posted 13 years ago by lkovathana    [ Reply ]
Saw him in 1989 at Fitzgeralds in oak park il. great show!!
Posted 13 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
Oh my. Memories of the Armadillo and Austin in the day~!! 
Posted 13 years ago by spiritman    [ Reply ]
I just love Joe Ely ... so very underrated.
Posted 13 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
Joe puts on a rock'n gooood show.  Catch him if you can!
Posted 13 years ago by RocknAustin    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
"Gave all my money to the bankers this morning..."?  So - almost - appropriate.  We're on the verge of giving all of our unborn descendants' money to the bankers!  Say hello to the boxcar, kids!

 
Quite. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose {#Frown}
Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 mvanderford60 wrote:
Godlike live - David Grissom on guitar, Bobby Keys on sax - best shows ever. Written by Butch Hancock - but Joe does it right.

"There ain't gonna be no radial tires runnin down the streets of gold . . ."

Definitely Church of Joe
 
They have been playing each others' songs so long, they admit sometimes they forget who wrote them. Not sure if that's true or not, but seeing The Flatlanders play is a magical experience.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 blotto wrote:
Is this song on True Blood or something. Sounds familiar.
 
I know, right?!  Every time I hear this song I think of Jace Everett's "Bad Things".  I am shocked to see this song is from 1978 — timeless and modern sounding.

Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
so now i get psyched any time i hear the eilen jewell song because i know joe ely is coming up next!
Posted 13 years ago by marco9962    [ Reply ]
Godlike live - David Grissom on guitar, Bobby Keys on sax - best shows ever. Written by Butch Hancock - but Joe does it right.

"There ain't gonna be no radial tires runnin down the streets of gold . . ."

Definitely Church of Joe
Posted 13 years ago by mvanderford60    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
"Gave all my money to the bankers this morning..."?  So - almost - appropriate.  We're on the verge of giving all of our unborn descendants' money to the bankers!  Say hello to the boxcar, kids!

 
"still owe money to the money we owe'

Posted 13 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
Is this song on True Blood or something. Sounds familiar.
Posted 13 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
Ho Hum
Posted 13 years ago by amaynard    [ Reply ]
Isn't there something Nick Cave about this guy?  Or...after seeing the release date, something this guy about Nick Cave.

Posted 13 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
 KitKat wrote:
"Gave all my money to the bankers this morning..."?  So - almost - appropriate.  We're on the verge of giving all of our unborn descendants' money to the bankers!  Say hello to the boxcar, kids!

 

Too late. Already done.
Posted 14 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
Comin' into Los Angeles...
 
Exactly....

Posted 14 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Thanks for a great Sunday afternoon, Bill!!!
Posted 14 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
Comin' into Los Angeles...
Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 wrangler wrote:
first time ever hearding this song.  very cool
 
Me, too!

Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Upped from a 9 to a 10 just now. There is something so very... perfect... about this song.
Posted 15 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
Amazing sound, it's as fresh today as it was back in 78!
Posted 15 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
my favorite Joe Ely song of all time (Had My Hopes Up High being a close secon). I have not listened to this in a long time. Great upload.
Posted 15 years ago by MrJames    [ Reply ]
 liser wrote:
Am I the only one who hears a Bob Dylan song in the background? What IS the name of that song???
 
The Man in the Long Black Coat.
Posted 15 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this song!
Posted 15 years ago by Jim__Sheila    [ Reply ]
Joe Ely is one of my favorire songwriters and preformers, I do live in Texas and have been listening to him for years  thanks RP for bringing him to other people
Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
 jadewahoo wrote:
I HATE COUNTRY WESTERN!
I love this!
It shows the distinction between the pablum/puke choked up by the money-mongering mongrels when they pervert authentic American folk music... and this awesome soulful art.
 
You nailed it, Jade.  C&W we can actually like!  {#Eyes}

And, added bonus, he's cute, too!!!

Posted 16 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
first time ever hearding this song.  very cool
Posted 16 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
Don't check my bag if you please, Mr. Banker man...
Posted 16 years ago by firefly6    [ Reply ]
"Gave all my money to the bankers this morning..."?  So - almost - appropriate.  We're on the verge of giving all of our unborn descendants' money to the bankers!  Say hello to the boxcar, kids!

Posted 16 years ago by KitKat    [ Reply ]
The music is "Spot On" this morning - I'm enjoying it immensely!  Hadn't heard this song before but it was highly entertaining....Thanks!
Posted 16 years ago by PinkFlamingo69    [ Reply ]
lwilkinson wrote:
If you like Joe Ely then try to find The Maines Brothers who had one of many local/state hits (I don't think they ever made it nationally) called Panhandling Man (named after the Texas Panhandle). I'll try to upload it to Bill assuming I can find the vinyl from over 30 years ago. Ely and the Maines (Natalie Maines is blood relative to them) were always noted as exemplifying the West Texas mystique.
Man, the Maines name is part of the DNA of the West TX sound! Lloyd is still very active, but these folks had an influence on Buddy Holley, Waylon Jennings, Joe Ely, Terry Allen, Butch Hancock, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and on and on. Not to mention the lead singer of the Dixie Chicks, Natalie Maines, is Lloyd's daughter! Talk about your musical families!
Posted 16 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
Yahoo!!! Joe Ely! :) Never heard this one, but I recognized his voice in an instant! :^D Thanks Bill! (I was just talking about having seen the Flatlanders at Floore's Country Store not long ago, with Kelly Willis opening. What a night!)
Posted 16 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
If you like Joe Ely then try to find The Maines Brothers who had one of many local/state hits (I don't think they ever made it nationally) called Panhandling Man (named after the Texas Panhandle). I'll try to upload it to Bill assuming I can find the vinyl from over 30 years ago. Ely and the Maines (Natalie Maines is blood relative to them) were always noted as exemplifying the West Texas mystique.
Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
lwilkinson wrote:
Nope. In his own way better than Cash but same as. I lived in Lubbock in West Texas for a time and he'd play at honky-tonks there and was a regular at the Annual Tornado Jam in Lubbock and was always a crowd favorite. If you listen to his lyrics some of them speak to the problems of life in cattle, agriculture, cotton and the ever present problems of drought and greedy bankers.
Worked the one in '82 dubbed the mud fest. What a mess... I think I still have a bolo tie with the TF logo on it.
Posted 16 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
nigelr wrote:
Could stand to study Johnny Cash a little more closely, lacks soul for mine.
Nope. In his own way better than Cash but same as. I lived in Lubbock in West Texas for a time and he'd play at honky-tonks there and was a regular at the Annual Tornado Jam in Lubbock and was always a crowd favorite. If you listen to his lyrics some of them speak to the problems of life in cattle, agriculture, cotton and the ever present problems of drought and greedy bankers.
Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson    [ Reply ]
His version of Jimmie Dale Gilmore's Dallas is classic!
Posted 16 years ago by oufason    [ Reply ]
Could stand to study Johnny Cash a little more closely, lacks soul for mine.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Dang... but this song gets me moving! Love it!
Posted 17 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
That was a seamless transition....I thought it was the same song.
Posted 17 years ago by ninjacatpuppet    [ Reply ]
I like BOTH kinds of music: Country AND Western If you dig Joe Ely, check out: Butch Hancock Jimmy Dale Gilmore The Flatlanders (Joe, Butch and Jimmy) Also, in no particular order: Townes Van Zandt Jerry Jeff Walker Gary P. Nunn Guy Clark Billy Joe Shaver Blaze Foley The Flatlanders made their first album in 1972 (!!). Roundly rejected by the C&W establishment. It only took them 30 years to make their sophomore effort. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
so cool...
Posted 17 years ago by sans    [ Reply ]
jadewahoo wrote:
I HATE COUNTRY WESTERN! I love this! It shows the distinction between the pablum/puke choked up by the money-mongering mongrels when they pervert authentic American folk music... and this awesome soulful art.
YES! I've always said "Country Western Music" was an oxymoron, but this is great!!!
Posted 17 years ago by LizDeines    [ Reply ]
I HATE COUNTRY WESTERN! I love this! It shows the distinction between the pablum/puke choked up by the money-mongering mongrels when they pervert authentic American folk music... and this awesome soulful art.
Posted 17 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Am I the only one who hears a Bob Dylan song in the background? What IS the name of that song???
Posted 17 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
I can definitely dig it...more Joe please. If y'all are ever in town I know of a small place he frequently visits, come on by and I'll show you.
Posted 17 years ago by redtex    [ Reply ]
In the past couple of years, Radio Paradise has introduced me to literally hundreds of songs I hadn't known, and now love. Of those, this is the one I love the most. And that coda! It takes all the greatness of the song to that point and doubles it.
Posted 18 years ago by marco9962    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
Joe, Butch, Jimmie Dale, and the rest of the Lubbock gang are all fantastic: great songwriters, performers, and people.
yes indeed!
Posted 18 years ago by rtkmusic    [ Reply ]
peyotecoyote wrote:
This one's not bad but I really dig his song about a fighting cock named Gaillo del Ciello or something like that. We (my daughter and I) get a kick out of that song every time we hear it.
'Gallo' (pr. guy-o) is 'rooster' en espanol. I love that song too; so sad though. Joe, Butch, Jimmie Dale, and the rest of the Lubbock gang are all fantastic: great songwriters, performers, and people. c.
Posted 18 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Doesn't look like he gets much play on RP. Judging from the remarks, he should be getting more. He and the rest of the Flatlanders are worth listening to.
Posted 18 years ago by MJB    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
Missed Joe. Great stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
nothing better than sly ely!!! A true optimist is an accordian player....with a beeper!!
Posted 18 years ago by jedzep    [ Reply ]
olsaltybastard wrote:
Pretty cool without being too twangy (is that a word?)
It is most definitely a word down here. I'm not a big Joe Ely fan but it is nice to hear him occassionaly.
Posted 18 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
Love the rippin' guitar at the end..
Posted 18 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
Now if you ever heard the whistle on a fast freight train Beatin' out a beautiful tune If you ever seen the cold blue railroad tracks Shinin' by the light of the moon If you ever felt the locomotive shake the ground I know you don't have to be told Why I'm goin down to the railroad tracks And watch them lonesome boxcars roll.
Posted 18 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Pretty cool without being too twangy (is that a word?)
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
More Joe Ely! Please! One of Austin's FINEST...
Posted 18 years ago by BPenni    [ Reply ]
I just upped my ante to a 9. I heard the first few strains of this song and something in me went YES! and turned up the volume.
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
This one's not bad but I really dig his song about a fighting cock named Gaillo del Ciello or something like that. We (my daughter and I) get a kick out of that song every time we hear it.
Posted 18 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
Hey! I like this!
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
More Joe Ely and Flatlanders please!
Posted 19 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
good stuff he has that johnny cash draw in his voice
Posted 19 years ago by Wisecrowe    [ Reply ]
Personally I prefer the "Live Shots" version, but this'll do. Had the good fortune to see Joe with this version of his band many times. They consistently smoked.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Baby_M wrote:
Ooooooh . . . I like this. Thank you, RP.
Me too! Once again, TY RP!
Posted 19 years ago by Al_Koholic    [ Reply ]
I like Joe Ely, not crazy about this song though. Love his "Live at Liberty Lunch" album.
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
Ooooooh . . . I like this. Thank you, RP.
Posted 19 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
I'd enjoy this so much more if not for the overbearing electric guitar.
Posted 19 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
First heard Ely on Austin City Limits. Fantastic singer/song writer who has managed to stay far below radar for too long. Huge potential for country/rock cross-over hits but seems relegated to obscurity. Even with the current "alt-rock" movement (whatever that is) few people seem to recognize the name. Kudos RP.!!
Posted 19 years ago by jesse    [ Reply ]
Joe Ely is one of the best live performers I've ever seen. This song is really compelling and soulful.
Posted 19 years ago by Odyzzeuz    [ Reply ]
Tizmself wrote:
RP continues to introduce me to wonderful artists and tunes.
Posted 19 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
This rocks! Not as familiar with Joe Ely as I'd like, but this is great!
Posted 19 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Good song, but the Rosie Flores version is even better.
Posted 19 years ago by truk77    [ Reply ]
Not like anybody would care, but... Sort of obscure and the songs don't sound like it... ...but the electric guitar in the background at times sounds a bit like the work Jimmy Page did on the Roy Harper album Jugula. Wonderful stuff... (click here) Man, I love that album...
Posted 19 years ago by bobringer    [ Reply ]
Great track!! By far my favorite Joe Ely tune, Love the guitar solo. This song can barely contain itself, it's like it's set to explode at any point.
Posted 20 years ago by llazare    [ Reply ]