Jimmie Rodgers' Dream

Elton John · Other Songs - Elton John

I'm looking at a funeral wagon rolling down

A two-lane highway winding past a desert town

A big blue canvas painted by the Master's hand

The shifting clouds above and endless miles of sand

In that mirror maybe that's what's left of me

Wheezing like a freight train hauling sixty tons of steel

Air 'em out's the best release and get some rest

Carrie don't wait up for me the brakeman's going West

[Chorus]

In this room all alone

I dream of you

In this drawer I found someone

I never knew

Now I pop a top and stay up late with Gideon

And fall asleep to visions of Meridian

I've seen dusty beaten delta boys cutting heads

A black face carney showman scare a song to death

In my short life I've seen as much as most men need

Now I'm just looking for some cleaner air to breathe

[Repeat chorus]

Far away, far away

So many years, so many days

All along this broken land

I've seen a lover's empty arms

And hunger's empty hand

[Repeat chorus]

Jimmie Rodgers' Dream

Elton John's 'Jimmie Rodgers' Dream' stands as a poignant tribute to the legendary American country singer Jimmie Rodgers, often hailed as the 'Father of Country Music.' Recorded during a period where John sought to honor the roots of his musical influences, the track captures Rodgers' distinctive vocal style and the enduring spirit of early country ballads. By channeling Rodgers' iconic sound, John bridges the gap between traditional folk and his own pop-rock sensibilities, creating a bridge between generations of fans. The song serves as a testament to the cross-genre reverence John has shown throughout his career, paying homage to the artists who paved the way for modern music while maintaining the emotional depth characteristic of Rodgers' own repertoire.