Unbeknown to me before I did my weekly half-assed research, this week's tune is actually well over a hundred years old, and originally began as a song sung by railroad workers and road gangs (among others) as they toiled. It's been recorded by dozens of artists through the years, with differing lyrics (many featuring America folk hero John Henry), and often under the title "Take This Hammer" or "Nine Pound Hammer." Oh, the places you'll go on Friday Night Jukebox!
The Notting Hillbillies were formed in 1986 by Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler. The band recorded their first, and only, LP in 1990, before embarking on periodic tours through 1993 (they were also the music guest on a Saturday Night Live episode), at which time the various members returned to their previous projects. They reunited in 1997 for a short tour and in 2002 for a performance for charity. They released three singles from their one album, none of which charted in the U.S. or the U.K.
"Railroad Worksong" was on their sole album noted above, the rather cleverly (really!) titled Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time. The song was not released as a single by the Notting Hillbillies, and the album did not chart in America or Great Britain but did reach #6 in Australia (so many cool kids in Australia!).
Every now and again a song comes along that reminds you of why you have always loved a certain genre of music, and when it was first released "Railroad Worksong" did that for me as an exemplar of folk/Americana music. Steve Phillips lead vocals capture well the hope inherent in the song, and Mark Knopfler's guitar (elegantly understated) underscores the resolve of the protagonist as he makes his way in the world. Extra props for the "good buddy" thrown in at intervals throughout the song bringing it ever closer to home. A nice reminder of how beautiful simplicity in music can be.
Lyric Sheet: "If he asks you was I running/If he asks you was I running/If he asks you, good buddy, was I running/Tell him I was flying, tell him I was flying..."
Enjoy:
Republican = Traitor
Peace,
emaycee
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