I always introduce this song as being written for the first man who ever asked me to marry him… But it’s actually about the devil.
I wrote “Last Train” well over a decade ago in my sleep. It was one of many songs that were composed in this manner or based off of dreams. In this particular dream, I was greeted by the devil posing as a yellow-eyed ex-lover who was trying to persuade me to return with him to the underworld with promises of riches and luxury. Tempting as it was, I turned down his proposal and when I awoke, I found myself strangely heartsick. This mournful song flowed from dream to pen the next morning.
An early version was recorded in 2002 on a 4 song demo featuring a solo acoustic guitar. The arrangement would later be revisited in cooperation with my long-time band mate, Steve Moore, who is behind the driving lap steel and haunting harmonies.
The rhythm tracks were recorded at Cloud City Sound in Portland, OR. Vocals, guitar and lap steel were recorded at Velvet Decay (my home studio) and it was mixed and mastered by Justin Phelps at Hallowed Halls, Portland, OR. Amanda Richards: vocals, guitar. Steve Moore: lap-steel guitar, harmonies. Andrew Clapp: Bass. Mark Powers: Drums.
Last Train:
I had a dream last night
Lord, it took me by surprise
A handsome man came a-courting me
With a sinful smile and yellow eyes
He said “Be my Jezebel
It’s been a lonely travel from the pits of Hell
I’ve come to ask you if you’ll be mine
And be my lover til the end of time”
I must say, I was flattered at first
‘cause men don’t make offers like this on Earth
But it’s a long way to travel to the other side
It’s a long time to burn when you’re the Devil’s bride
I said “There’s too many things that I’ve come to love
And I want to spend my life in the world above
There’s too many things that I’ve got to do
That don’t include eternity with you”
Down on his knees as if to plea
He lowered his head and said goodbye
He could no longer bare to be without me
And tears welled up in his yellow eyes
‘cause it’s the last train going down below
and I can hear that whistle sounding loud and low
The Devil wants to marry me
and be my lover eternally
I woke this morning consumed by grief
The loss had left me in disbelief
The devil wanted to marry me
But I have lost him for eternity
Letting him go, I won’t regret
And for this longing I will repent