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Coal Train

from 12 Songs, 12 Weeks by Buckman Page

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BPFANS:


Marcus' Favorite Lyrics:
You could learn to speak French
like a Quebecois
You say 'bonjour'
I say 'au revoir'

Notes ^ML:
This song has been with us for awhile now. While nearly making appearances on our last project, "Buckman Page: Extended Play" and occasionally kicking around a live set of BP's shows, Coal Train is an old favorite of the group. As a band, we never really had it down, though. Written by my brother, Martin, the song took on several different renditions and styles over the years. Finally, we nailed it down and recorded our version.

Oh, those poor Canadians.

While the BP version is faster and more rambunctious, here are Martin's words about the tune:
"I wrote this song while living in Oshkosh, where I was often stopped by slow trains going to Canada. Personally, I think I was nursing some hurts that I wanted to get rid of. I don't remember what they were. I guess the song worked! Lyrically, I was probably stuck at a RR crossing and thought that the words would make a good song.

"It was the winter of 2002-03. I was listening to a lot of Springsteen's 'Tracks' box set, Wilco's 'Being There' and 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' and Jay Farrar's first solo (non Son Volt) album 'Sebastapol'. I think the drop-D came from learning to play 'Sunken Treasure' on 'Being There.'"

Keep singin', everybody. We'll have another song for you next week. Enjoy!

-BP

lyrics

I wanna put you on a coal train to Canada
For all that slow pain I'm still mad at ya
Maybe you'll get there, maybe you won't
Maybe you'll show up alone in the cold
Maybe it's wrong but that's what I hope
When I see a coal train begin to roll

I know I should forgive and forget
but the pain is a train that hasn't left yet
it's rockin' through town interminably
and blockin all the traffic on the street
and my imagination's run away with me
but I see you on a Canadian train to leave

You could take up hockey
drink Canadian beer
you'd be better off up north
better off than I am here

But I've got nothin 'gainst Canadians
That I would make 'em feel the pain I'm in
Make 'em see your smilin face
that keeps me in this awkward place
and maybe all my wishin is a waste
but why won't you hop on that northbound train

SOLO

You could learn to speak French
like a Quebecois
You say 'bonjour'
I say 'au revoir'

oh those poor Canadians
when I make em feel this pain I'm in
make em see your smiling face
the one that keeps me in this awkward place
and maybe all my wishin is in vain
but why won't you hop on that northbound train
ease my pain
just roll away

credits

from 12 Songs, 12 Weeks, track released May 4, 2012
Coal Train to Canada
Written by Martin Lohrmann
Performed by Buckman Page
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered by Stark Naked Records
Written in the winter 2002-2003
Artwork/Design by John Williamson

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Buckman Page Chicago, Illinois

From belting vocal presence to passionate lyricism, from rhythmic precision and elegance to powerfully sweeping guitar solos, BP presents an engaging sound both in their recordings and live performances that is straight forward, charming, and alive. Their music is raw, clear, and full of hope. ... more

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