Cowboy Junkies — Powderfinger
Album: Studio: Selected Studio Recordings 1986-1995Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 183
Length: 5:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Look out, Mama, there's a white boat coming up the river,
with a big red beacon and a flag and a man on the rail
I think you'd better call John
'cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
And it's less than a mile away
I hope they didn't come to stay
It's got numbers on the side and a gun,
and it's making big waves
Daddy's gone, my brother's out hunting in the mountains
Big John's been drinking since the river took Emmy Lou
So the powers that be left me here to do all the thinking
And I just turned twenty-two
I was wondering what to do
And the closer they got,
The more those feelings grew
Daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassuring
He told me, 'Red means run, Son, numbers add up to nothing'
But when that first shot hit the dock, I saw it coming
Raised the rifle to my eye
Never stopped to wonder why
Then I saw black and my face flash in the sky
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger
Just think of me as one you never figured,
to fade away so young
with so much left undone
Remember me to my love
I know I'll miss her
with a big red beacon and a flag and a man on the rail
I think you'd better call John
'cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
And it's less than a mile away
I hope they didn't come to stay
It's got numbers on the side and a gun,
and it's making big waves
Daddy's gone, my brother's out hunting in the mountains
Big John's been drinking since the river took Emmy Lou
So the powers that be left me here to do all the thinking
And I just turned twenty-two
I was wondering what to do
And the closer they got,
The more those feelings grew
Daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassuring
He told me, 'Red means run, Son, numbers add up to nothing'
But when that first shot hit the dock, I saw it coming
Raised the rifle to my eye
Never stopped to wonder why
Then I saw black and my face flash in the sky
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger
Just think of me as one you never figured,
to fade away so young
with so much left undone
Remember me to my love
I know I'll miss her
Comments (65)add comment
RongoTBurg wrote:
At least that would be a little more interesting.
Talk about draining every ounce of passion from a song. Wow.
If this was only a little slower, you could play The Ramones cover of "Like A Hurricane" in between each note.
Brilliant! At least that would be a little more interesting.
Talk about draining every ounce of passion from a song. Wow.
Seems RP has a fondness for covers. Some are interesting...this one isn't, imo.
Great song, but have to give this a "no."
these cowboys need a kick in the ass with some sharp spurs.
WAKE UP!!
Please just let Neil sing it. 
joelb wrote:
This band has one idea, or half an idea, and theyve been beating it to death for 20 years.
In light of all the negative comments:
This track is definitly not for everyone. However, it's absolutely one of my favorite CJ tracks, and the album it comes from, "The Caution Horses" is certainly my most-played, if not favorite all time cd.
The album builds a complete mood, and if your at all interested in the track, you really need to hear it in album context to appreciate it.
Great song from one amazing disk (Trinity Session). Hard to believe they also do that song I Saw Your Shoes. An amazing progression they've done over the years.
I hate this sanctimonious mournful faux-country funeral crap. Mellencamp is Ralph Stanley next to these guys. Totally totally misses the fact that the whole lyric narrates a blink-of-the-eye moment, tempo and tension are a huge part of the song. This band has one idea, or half an idea, and theyve been beating it to death for 20 years. Extra points deducted for misuse of an accordion.
I know this is just a "best of" type collection; but I really like this record. Margo is awesome!!!
This weak, I like Junkies but this was a bad idea. 2
If this was only a little slower, you could play The Ramones cover of "Like A Hurricane" in between each note.
This reminds me of a cover version of Van Halen's "Jump" by a band called Aztec Camera. Real real slow.
But I think Aztec Camera was making a point about how stupid the lyrics to that song were.
Or maybe not.
I would agree. All the life has been sucked out of this gem of Neil's...
Most of what she sings is way too low and slow. Margo should lay off the Prozac.
Neil does it better
Margo could sing Three Little Piggies off key and she'd still rate a 5.
Oh Please!! Will it end? 
I generally enjoy the variety of remakes, but this is too much. It misses the whole feel of the song, not to mention it just isn't going anywhere.
AAAARRRGGGHHHH........
I generally enjoy the variety of remakes, but this is too much. It misses the whole feel of the song, not to mention it just isn't going anywhere.
AAAARRRGGGHHHH........i can see how many would not like this version - i however, like it. good for you bill... damn the negativity and full speed ahead on your own musical course.
This is not a great rendition of Powderfinger to be sure, especially compared to the electric versions by NY. But, if you compare this to the acoustic version by Neil from bootleg recordings floating around the internet, it's not that far a stretch.
They could pick up the pace a bit, however. 
Drummer4soul wrote:
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, no
I'll double your no and raise you one.....
Gregorama wrote:
I think Margeaux needs a snort or two of nitrous oxide.
physicsgenius wrote:
I'm only 10 minutes into it, but I like the 3 notes I've heard so far. When the first bar finishes, later tonight, I'll know more.
kidkool wrote:
I love NY but this rendition is way too slow and boring. Oriniginal is much better.
I too love Young, and like the Cowboy Junkies, but I don't think this is their best version of this song. They have a version from a live show, with just voice and guitar, that's a little faster and much deeper...
One of Niel's best, not for Margo and brothers though. Mediocre cover, don't like the interpretation.
I try not to be too negative on here...not everyone likes what I like and vicee versee...but, jeez...if this were any slower I'd be in a coma....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, no
:P
Lethargic as most of their stuff played here...
(RP's favourite gender-bender cover trick pulled on Neil Young again, that's three...)
I'm only 10 minutes into it, but I like the 3 notes I've heard so far. When the first bar finishes, later tonight, I'll know more.
I love NY but this rendition is way too slow and boring. Oriniginal is much better.
I'd really, really like to like this....
Not today.
Butchered.
Nope. Still can't handle this one. I tried. Lord knows. I just CAN'T!
I think Margeaux needs a snort or two of nitrous oxide.
Is she ever joyful and lilting??
This is nearly as depressing as the election...
tbase wrote:
### Begin Cliche
IF (Station=RP) AND (Artist=Neil Young)
SET Next Song "Powderfinger"
SET Next Artist "Cowboy Junkies"
REDIRECT_URL "https://www.justaboutanyotherradiostation.com"
tbase wrote:END IF
i'm not sure why... but i like it.
.
I'm surprised at all the negativity aimed at this tune. I love this version of one of Neil's great songs.
### Begin Cliche
IF (Station=RP) AND (Artist=Neil Young)
SET Next Song "Powderfinger"
SET Next Artist "Cowboy Junkies"
END IF
*yawn*
This is so so bad.
8O
But I quess it puts a check in Margo's bank account and thats all that matters ...
8O
But I quess it puts a check in Margo's bank account and thats all that matters ...
OH Dear God Make It Stop. A terrific badassed song that Margo just pukes all over.
Gregorama wrote:
To me, just me, a lot of her vocals sound the same, and they seem kind of one dimentional to me--but in fairness, I have never heard any of their albums.
Oh, you are missing out. I'd recommend Open and Lay It Down. Then Pale Sun, Crescent Moon. Haven't checked out their latest yet.
Frawg wrote:
It's an interpretation - not a copy.
Oh - and Neil likes it.
s
I am glad Neil likes it. I still don't. 'Just not a big fan of the Cowboy Junkies.
To me, just me, a lot of her vocals sound the same, and they seem kind of one dimentional to me--but in fairness, I have never heard any of their albums.
I like Neil, but I can see how someone who hadn't grown up listening to him could be less than fond of his voice. Sounds great to me, though.
Someone mentioned Sweet Jane. That sounds mopey to me as well. They just seem to exude this bummer vibe, where everything they cover seems sad, somehow.
Some preceive it as deep and sober, I suppose, but...the...stuff...just....drags.......on.
My favorite thing about the Junkies, other than Margo's haunting voice, is their choice of songs to cover and the totally different interpretation they give them. Sweet Jane..... Walking After Midnight........
I like the Cowboy Junkies, but I am so tired of hearing covers of this, and worse, the original. Neil Young is a high-amplitude songwriter: it's either really good, or really bad.
And this is crap.
Red means run, son. Numbers add up to nothin'.
Margo's voice, and the interplay between the mandolin and harmonica are perfect in this song. I like this better than Neil's original. 
GregX59 wrote:
My favorite version of this song.
Ditto: You can really get into the lyrics with this version and feel like you're there!
And it sounds even better following any Niel Young song!
The original IS better, but I like this. Nice take on a great song.
Good - you'll quit your typing too then.
s
felixchenier wrote:
I think I'm gonna fall asleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
It's an interpretation - not a copy.
Oh - and Neil likes it.
s
Gregorama wrote:
No, sir, don't like it. Too mopey. Give me Neil's version any day.
No, sir, don't like it. Too mopey. Give me Neil's version any day.
what ZM Herb said :
"A wonderful cover with an elegant treatment by Margo and the Junkies - one of the few covers that is as good as the original - in a different flavor IMHO"
with a couple of knobs on too.
saw them last night at Shepherds Bush Empire: they did an excellent cover of "Helpless" too. guess these Canadians gotta stick together. More power to their collective elbows. Excellent
oakenguy wrote:
I'm in the mood for slow, depressing songs, and this is STILL too much.
You think this is too much? Put in a little Mazzy Star. This is a regular rock-fest in comparison. This is just nice and low-key.
I think I'm gonna fall asleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
I'm in the mood for slow, depressing songs, and this is STILL too much.
I love the Cowboy Junkies, but never did care for this Neil Young tune. So this is a double disappointment. Guess I'll place this one in the Covers that Just Don't Make It bin.
Lacks the urgency that gives the original such power. The lyrics get lost in her existential delivery. She might as well be singing the menu at burger king. What a shame :-(
My favorite version of this song.
If you ever get a chance, see a CJ show...You won't be let down.
Always nice to hear the cowboy junkies.
And for those of us not in the know, this is a Neil Young song. Seems to be another part of the ongoing trend of offbeat covers played on RP.
Relaxing...
A bit long :roll: but still fine (thanks to her beautiful voice).
Ho-hum, I'm being shot at, la-de-dah. I really like the Cowboy Junkies, but this song needs to be delivered with a little more of a "holy shit!" attitude. Beat Farmers' version is better. Neil's of course is great.
A wonderful cover with an elegant treatment by Margo and the Junkies - one of the few covers that is as good as the original - in a different flavor IMHO. 