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Introduction
Vince Gill’s “I Don’t Wanna Ride the Rails No More” is a heartfelt reflection on the desire to settle down after a life of wandering. Released in 2019 as the opening track of his album Okie, the song delves into themes of restlessness and the longing for stability.
Gill’s gentle acoustic guitar sets a contemplative tone, complementing his soulful vocals that convey a sense of yearning. The lyrics express a shift from a life on the move to a desire for deeper connections and a place to call home. As Gill sings, “I wanna know a woman’s love worth dying for,” he encapsulates the universal quest for meaningful relationships.
In discussing the song, Gill noted that the imagery of riding trains evokes the era of the Dust Bowl and the stories of those who traveled in search of a better life. He relates this to his own experiences of decades spent touring, likening his time on the road to riding a tour bus. This personal connection adds authenticity to the song’s narrative.
“I Don’t Wanna Ride the Rails No More” serves as a poignant meditation on life’s transitions, resonating with anyone who has felt the pull between adventure and the comfort of home.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I’ve been hoppin’ freight trains all my life
I woke up cold and hungry in the middle of the night
I’ve been on the wrong end of a drunkard’s night
And nowhere to send the letters that I write
And I’ll bet I’ve seen most every single town
But never stopped quite long enough to ever hang around
‘Cause that whistle makes a mighty lonesome sound
It’s been on my mind, I’d love to settle down
And I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
I wanna know a woman’s love worth dyin’ for
Hear children playin’ through an old screen door
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
The train’s pullin’ out at half past 9
The waitress said, “Hey stranger, how ’bout one more glass of wine?”
We kept talkin’ and we lost all track of time
The train pulled out, left us there behind
And I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
I wanna know a woman’s love worth dyin’ for
Hear children playin’ through an old screen door
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
For the first time in my life, I didn’t run
I felt your arms around me and my rambling days were done
Somethin’ changed deep inside of me
The radio played “Love Is All You Need”
Oh, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
I wanna know a woman’s love worth dyin’ for
Hear children playin’ through an old screen door
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
And I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
I wanna know a woman’s love worth dyin’ for
Hear children playin’ through an old screen door
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more
No, I don’t wanna ride the rails no more