About the song
“Hear My Train A Comin’” by Jimi Hendrix is one of the defining tracks in the legendary guitarist’s catalog, showcasing his unparalleled musical virtuosity and raw emotional expression. Originally recorded in 1963 but not officially released until later, this track has since become a cornerstone of Hendrix’s posthumous reputation as one of the greatest and most innovative guitarists in rock history. The song’s legacy has endured, both for its deep emotional resonance and its raw, unpolished energy that reflects a turning point in Hendrix’s career.
Release and Context
Although “Hear My Train A Comin’” was recorded as a demo in 1963, it did not appear on any official album during Jimi Hendrix’s lifetime. Instead, the track was released in its full, studio version in 1973 as part of the posthumous album The Essential Jimi Hendrix. The demo version, recorded when Hendrix was still finding his unique voice and sound, presents an early glimpse of his musical genius. However, it wasn’t until the release of The Essential Jimi Hendrix and later compilations, such as Live at Woodstock and Blues, that the full weight of the track’s influence became evident.
The song is often regarded as one of Hendrix’s finest blues-infused performances, demonstrating his ability to blend rock, blues, and soul into something completely unique. “Hear My Train A Comin’” is primarily an acoustic-based blues number, with Hendrix’s vocals delivering a sense of both vulnerability and yearning, enhanced by his signature electric guitar licks. Unlike much of his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, this track offers a glimpse into a more intimate, stripped-back version of Hendrix’s artistry.
Meaning and Themes
At its core, “Hear My Train A Comin’” is a deeply emotional and personal song, dealing with themes of escape, freedom, and inevitable change. The title itself alludes to the metaphor of a train arriving—perhaps representing the arrival of fate, a reckoning, or a dramatic shift in one’s life. The imagery of the train, often used in blues music, evokes a sense of movement, both physical and metaphorical, that ties into themes of migration, seeking liberation, and facing one’s ultimate fate.
In the lyrics, Hendrix seems to be speaking about a journey or the end of a particular chapter in life. The train can symbolize many things: the promise of escape, the inevitability of change, or the sense of being carried away by something larger than oneself. The rawness of the song is amplified by Hendrix’s emotional vocal delivery, which conveys a yearning for release from the burdens of life, whether they be personal, emotional, or existential.
Importantly, “Hear My Train A Comin’” highlights Hendrix’s remarkable skill as a storyteller through song. His use of metaphor, combined with his ability to seamlessly blend his guitar playing with his vocal expression, creates a track that feels both immediate and timeless. While the song may be rooted in the blues, its universal themes have made it a cornerstone of Hendrix’s catalog, appealing to listeners from various walks of life.
Musical Composition
Musically, “Hear My Train A Comin’” is notable for its incredible guitar work, which is a hallmark of Jimi Hendrix’s style. The track begins with a simple acoustic guitar riff, gradually building in intensity as the song progresses. This initial simplicity creates a sense of tension, allowing Hendrix’s guitar to take center stage as he gradually unleashes his signature style—smooth yet fiery, melodic yet experimental. The fusion of acoustic and electric guitar elements reflects Hendrix’s remarkable versatility as an artist, who could transition from the subtlety of folk-blues to the explosive power of rock with ease.
The standout feature of the track is Hendrix’s guitar solo, which has become one of the most celebrated in his entire catalog. As he moves between chords with incredible fluidity, he bends the notes in ways that no one had ever heard before, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere that underscores the song’s themes of longing and yearning. The solo gradually builds in intensity, showcasing Hendrix’s ability to stretch the boundaries of guitar playing, incorporating elements of distortion, feedback, and expression that were revolutionary at the time.
Cultural and Social Impact
Although “Hear My Train A Comin’” was not one of Jimi Hendrix’s commercial hits, it has had a lasting impact on the world of music. The track captures an important moment in Hendrix’s artistic evolution, showcasing his transition from a session musician into a true musical innovator. While Hendrix was already well-known for his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, this track, along with other demos and live recordings, reveals a more personal, vulnerable side of the artist.
The song’s influence on future generations of musicians cannot be overstated. The guitar techniques that Hendrix introduced on “Hear My Train A Comin’”—such as his use of feedback, bending notes, and creating tension through dynamic shifts—became foundational elements in rock music. These techniques were later adopted and refined by countless guitarists, shaping the sound of rock, blues, and even jazz for decades to come.
The track also holds an important place in the broader context of 1960s counterculture, reflecting themes of rebellion, self-expression, and existential exploration. While the 1960s were defined by political and social upheaval, Hendrix’s music provided a soundtrack for the era’s sense of freedom, escape, and individualism. “Hear My Train A Comin’” fits into this larger narrative, acting as both a personal expression of Hendrix’s inner struggles and an anthem for a generation grappling with a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
“Hear My Train A Comin’” stands as one of the most powerful and enduring tracks in Jimi Hendrix’s discography, capturing both his unique musical genius and his ability to channel deep emotion into his music. Released posthumously in 1973, the track continues to captivate listeners with its raw energy, soulful lyrics, and groundbreaking guitar work. As an example of Hendrix’s blues influence, the song showcases his ability to blend genres and push musical boundaries, making it an essential part of his musical legacy.
This track remains significant not only for its instrumental brilliance but also for the way it encapsulates the themes of freedom, yearning, and the inevitable passage of time that permeate much of Hendrix’s work. “Hear My Train A Comin’” continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners, reinforcing Jimi Hendrix’s place as one of the most important figures in the history of modern music.
Video
Lyrics
[Chorus]
Well, I hear my train a comin’
Hear my
Hear my train a comin’[Interlude]
Ayy ayy ayy yeah-eah[Verse]
Well, I
Wait around the train station
Waitin’ for that train
Take me, take me
Take me away
From this
Lonesome town
Lonesome town
Too bad you don’t love me no more, girl
Too bad your people put me down
Hey, hey, hey[Instrumental Bridge]
[Verse 2]
Tears burnin’ me
Tears burnin’ me in my eyes
Way down
Way down in my soul
Tears burnin’ me way down in my heart
Yeah
Too bad you don’t love me no more, girl
Too bad you and me had to part
Had to part[Chorus]
Well, I hear my train a comin’
Hear my train a comin’
Hear my train a comin’
Hear my train a comin’[Guitar Solo]
[Outro]
Well, I hear my train a comin’
Hear my train a comin’