"This Old Car" Question

[JennyLevE]

I was listening to Am I Home and I came across the song This Old Car.

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the spoken part of the song that is said in conjunction with the last chorus.

I was trying to figure it out and all I get was bits and pieces. I find the song very intriguing and would really like to better understand what is said.

Any thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks!
--Jen

[Patti]

I think this a question that only Karen can reply!! I don't know if she has been succesful in getting Ellis to play it live for her recently..but for awhile I believe that was her mission in life. I think the fact that you are going to NM for his first show in over a month should be worth this song at last!!!!!

[KarenZ]

Patti,

Are you kidding?! I've NEVER heard "This Old Car".

Jen, I've always referred to that part of the song as the descant. (See Webster's for an official definition.) He's singing the chorus ("Hating my surroundings, etc.") superimposed over a repeat of Verse 1 with a few changes in lyrics. I've never been able to make the changes out exactly...I can hear the words "yellow markings".... I just went and listened to the song - it's been a while. Gosh, it's STILL one of the best.... Ellis are you out there???? Are you listening????

KarenZ

This Old Car

This old car has seen the ages since the second of the world wars…
Bought by a Jersey family on the cutting edge of poor.
A ragged wife and weary children stricken with the chore
Of a restless man of thirty-five who dreamed he lived for more.

[Chorus]
I’m hating my surroundings and my soul I’m sure is dead.
I will die a hollow, bitter man with a gun against my head.
I need some time to drive alone to feel the wind of the life I’ve blown.
I may be back, but don’t expect that this car will find me home.

After two thousand turns of the gauge, he hid his wedding band
And lost the keys in a musty room to lust and a woman’s hand.
She stole off with her lover,
He was a dressed-up blues-harp man.
And they chased the road to Chicago for the blues
From any raging band.

This old car has seen the ages since the second of the world wars.
It’s seen a man in his final stages…seen two lovers opening doors.
But the doors jammed shut and struck up the band
When the blues man asked for more.
The woman heard no harmony in the blues
Of old Chicago lore.

[Repeat chorus]

In a back field in a farmer’s lot, a boy-man finds the car.
Bought for a song by his father, it’s been ten years off the tar.
A motionless engine is a curse
To a boy with a ready heart.
In a boxed-up town the dreams abound
But never get their start.

[Repeat chorus]

[JennyLevE]

KarenZ--
I think that it is actually the first two lines of the 3rd verse...

This old car has seen the ages since the second of the world wars.
It’s seen a man in his final stages…seen two lovers opening doors.

After that I can only make out two other phrases...
"I'm too young to die..."

and as you mentioned...
"yellow yellow markings"

Other than that I am clueless.
Thanks!
--Jen

[KarenZ]

Jen,

Yes, you're right about it being the third verse! I got thrown off since the first line of verse one and verse three are the same.

KarenZ