Story Behind The Song

The Erie Lackawanna was a train service I recall from my childhood. Long gone. I had long harbored a sort of fascination with the culture and mystique of trains -- which finally found expression in this song.

Song Description

Wrote and recorded circa 1990. Track has it's rough aspects, would like to re-record sometime. I recall that I had a very short count-in for some technical reason I don t recall now -- and so, consequently, the guitar intro is weak. I HATE working on the clock in a pro studio. $$$$$!!!!!!!! I do everything at home these days.

Lyrics

Follow Your Child / by Tony Tersmette, copyright 1990

i've packed my bags
got a ticket too
and one more lucky dollar
i'll be gone when she comes rollin' through
that Erie Lackawana

she's comin' now whislin' low and sweet
like a fervent prayer callin'
mr. porter please show me to my seat
and before the stars have fallin'

roll on, roll on
wend westward from that jaded sun
roll on, roll on
where lovers play and dreamers run
(roll on)
(roll on)
(roll on)
i love the sparks the smoke the thunder
(roll on)
give me the chase and i am whole
(roll on)
wanna feel the magic know the wonder
(roll on)
show me the night as black as coal

ask any child
it's so very plain
you can see it if you wanna
the soul abides on a midnight train
and the Erie Lackawana
(rolls on)

roll on
she calls you now
go
that's the one
roll on roll on
(where lovers play and dreamers run)
roll on, roll on
speed westward from that waking sun
roll on, roll on
before the veil of night's undone
(roll on)

you love the sparks the smoke the thunder
(roll on)
you need the chase to make you whole
(roll on)
all aboard that Erie Lackawana
(roll on)
embrace the child that is your soul
(roll on)

(i love the sparks the smoke the thunder)
(roll on)
(give me the chase and i am whole)
(roll on)
wanna feel the magic know the wonder
(roll on)
show me the night
black as coal

follow your child