500 Miles
Brothers Four · Star Box: The Brothers Four [IMPORT] [2003]
You will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles
A hundred miles, a hundred miles
A hundred miles, a hundred miles
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles
Lord, I'm one, Lord, I'm two
Lord, I'm three, Lord, I'm four
Lord, I'm 500 miles away from home
Away from home, away from home
Away from home, away from home
Lord, I'm 500 miles away from home
Not a shirt on my back
Not a penny to my name
Lord, I can't go back home this a-way
This a-way, this a-way
This a-way, this a-way
Lord, I can't go back home this a-way
If you miss the train I'm on
You will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles...
500 Miles - Brothers Four
Brothers Four's 1965 recording of '500 Miles' stands as a definitive example of British folk revival, blending traditional ballad structures with a distinctive, driving rhythm that redefined the genre's sound. Originally a folk song, the group's arrangement, featuring prominent acoustic guitar and a steady beat, transformed it into an anthem of freedom and escape. The track became a staple of their discography, appearing on key releases such as 'Star Box' and 'The Brothers Four in Tokyo', where their harmonies and production quality were celebrated. Their interpretation helped popularize the song globally, influencing countless subsequent artists across rock and folk genres. This recording remains a cornerstone of their catalog, capturing the spirit of the mid-1960s musical landscape with timeless appeal.