Son Volt — Cherokee Street
Album: Notes of BlueAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 2239
Length: 2:56
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Spent all
My fortunes
Laughed away
More dollars and dimes
But I've seen the smile
Of a Cherokee Street girl
And I know
What it feels like to fly
No well water
To run dry
Too many graves
To be kept clean
I shook the hand
What each day delivers
Today's world
Is not my home
There's need for change
Not more prisons
Decisions made
With a blind eye
Just believe
A better day will rise
Until then this world
Is not my home
Spent all
My fortunes
Laughed away
More dollars and dimes
But I've seen the smile
Of a Cherokee Street girl
And I know
What it feels like to fly
My fortunes
Laughed away
More dollars and dimes
But I've seen the smile
Of a Cherokee Street girl
And I know
What it feels like to fly
No well water
To run dry
Too many graves
To be kept clean
I shook the hand
What each day delivers
Today's world
Is not my home
There's need for change
Not more prisons
Decisions made
With a blind eye
Just believe
A better day will rise
Until then this world
Is not my home
Spent all
My fortunes
Laughed away
More dollars and dimes
But I've seen the smile
Of a Cherokee Street girl
And I know
What it feels like to fly
Comments (84)add comment
I hear John Kongos coming on.
coyotexxx2 wrote:
Check out the documentary "Rumble". It traces the the blues, and rock, back to Native American drumming and vocalisations. Apparently, escaped slaves hid out in the reservations.
Has a native american beat laying under a blues guitar. Genius.
Check out the documentary "Rumble". It traces the the blues, and rock, back to Native American drumming and vocalisations. Apparently, escaped slaves hid out in the reservations.
h8rhater wrote:
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
Right you are! Motzen is what we call it here in switzerland.
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
Right you are! Motzen is what we call it here in switzerland.
Mizy_Wizy wrote:
Period!
Love this groove
Period!
This is why I listen to RP!
Damn !! This shit ROCKS!
Apropos nix: It looks like he´s wearing the same shirt on the album cover as in the stage pic from Wikipedia.
Cherokee St in STL is where all the head shops operated.
STL across river from Belleville, IL. Jay's hometown.
STL across river from Belleville, IL. Jay's hometown.
10 to the tenth degree! it's the lyrics.
one of many tunes that stand out of his enormous collection of great music
h8rhater wrote:
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
Yup.
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
Yup.
Love that Rollin' & Tumblin' jam. They're great.
Always a debate between Son Volt & Wilco, for me anyways. Except the later Wilco is meh.
Always a debate between Son Volt & Wilco, for me anyways. Except the later Wilco is meh.
He does not waste words. A 10!
See...this is that midwest punk country that spawned from the Mississippi River at STL. Uncle Tupelo. Wilco.
May have to do with drinking Stag Beer, brewed in Belleville, IL. Across the river from STL.
May have to do with drinking Stag Beer, brewed in Belleville, IL. Across the river from STL.
Love this band! And 100% agree with an earlier comment that we should have them tour with James McMurtry- I love him, too! Just got my year end review on who I listened to most on Spotify and Son Volt jumped to #2; ahead of U2, Springsteen and REM. Fontaines D.C. was #1. Check them out, and would love to hear them here on RP. And, as alway, thanks RP
coyotexxx2 wrote:
Watch the documentary "Rumble". Makes a strong case that the Blues originated from Native America. The Native American beats and wailing vocals are the bedrock of rock.
Has a native american beat laying under a blues guitar. Genius.
Watch the documentary "Rumble". Makes a strong case that the Blues originated from Native America. The Native American beats and wailing vocals are the bedrock of rock.
First time hearing this and I'm liking it! I have Son Volt's first release but haven't heard anything since. I'll have to check out more of their stuff, based on this.
idiot_wind wrote:
I hear the James McMurtry in that particular song as well.
what we got to do...is to get them touring with James McMurty
I hear the James McMurtry in that particular song as well.
I like how he decided to have the drawing of him on the album cover match his Wikipedia picture
what we got to do...is to get them touring with James McMurty
thewiseking wrote:
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa are hacks?
Seems like it might -- just maybe -- be possible to praise someone without dissing anyone else. (But apparently that's very difficult for a lot of people.)
now THIS is what modern guitarslingers should be. Not another Stevie Ray,Joe Bonamassa "Blues Hammer" bunch of hacks. These dudes got the chops and the voice.
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa are hacks?
Seems like it might -- just maybe -- be possible to praise someone without dissing anyone else. (But apparently that's very difficult for a lot of people.)
coloradojohn wrote:
Well, while we're drawing comparisons, I thought it was Steve Earle at first
Jay lends his really distinctive voice well to this one, and the wall-of-sound guitar work is astounding, like Neil Young & Big Head Todd.
Well, while we're drawing comparisons, I thought it was Steve Earle at first
msbostick wrote:
Close the door on your way out!
So horrible! Why, Bill, why? Worst voice on RP! I'd rather hear fingernails on blackboards!
Close the door on your way out!
Dangerous while driving!
westslope wrote:
That must make you special then?
The lyrics of this song strike as 'engaged'. The guitar beat reinforces that perception.
But apparently I am the only person on the thread who sees this.
That must make you special then?
The lyrics of this song strike as 'engaged'. The guitar beat reinforces that perception.
But apparently I am the only person on the thread who sees this.
But apparently I am the only person on the thread who sees this.
msbostick wrote:
The average rating is currently 6.9. That should have answered your question before you posted it.
So horrible! Why, Bill, why? Worst voice on RP! I'd rather hear fingernails on blackboards!
The average rating is currently 6.9. That should have answered your question before you posted it.
So horrible! Why, Bill, why? Worst voice on RP! I'd rather hear fingernails on blackboards!
todbothom wrote:
Must be. This is great. I'll believe he's talking about a girl who smiled on Cherokee Street, rather than about a Cherokee street-girl...
Judging by the comments there aren't many blues fans listening.
Must be. This is great. I'll believe he's talking about a girl who smiled on Cherokee Street, rather than about a Cherokee street-girl...
Love Jay…
Mizy_Wizy wrote:
Lemmy would say, a good comment shouldn't contain more than three words! Oh scheisse I did it again.
Love this groove
Lemmy would say, a good comment shouldn't contain more than three words! Oh scheisse I did it again.
he must be singing about Cherokee Street in South STL.
The head shops were...
The head shops were...
Judging by the comments there aren't many blues fans listening.
For the first time ever (listening to RP) I've turned the volume down without being told to by my wife.
lizardking wrote:
I'm right there with you, although 'hate' isn't a word I'd use...more like 'extreme displeasure' - heck, I don't know if there's another song I skip faster than this one. In fact I just went 2→1 finally, and I even listened to the entire track before doing so.
And this from someone not prone to commenting on songs I don't like....so there's that too. And I will still say LONG LIVE RP!!
Son Volt has grown on me, since I downrated to 1, I've gone back up to 6.
And today with Xmas cheer I'm going to+1 to 7.
Something enjoyable about this tune that just took me coupla years to identify.
Long Live RP and changing tastes!!
I'm right there with you, although 'hate' isn't a word I'd use...more like 'extreme displeasure' - heck, I don't know if there's another song I skip faster than this one. In fact I just went 2→1 finally, and I even listened to the entire track before doing so.
And this from someone not prone to commenting on songs I don't like....so there's that too. And I will still say LONG LIVE RP!!
Son Volt has grown on me, since I downrated to 1, I've gone back up to 6.
And today with Xmas cheer I'm going to+1 to 7.
Something enjoyable about this tune that just took me coupla years to identify.
Long Live RP and changing tastes!!
Love this sound!
lasker98 wrote:
I thought it was Steve Earle
Kind of a Buddy Miller vibe going on there. Quite nice.
I thought it was Steve Earle
This is a great roadhouse blues. I hear The North Mississippi All Stars in here, a bit.
flyboy wrote:
Maybe next time. If for nothing else, apparently they have a pipe organ. Love me some pipe organ.
It's far more fascinating than just a pipe organ (which I don't recall seeing).
Maybe next time. If for nothing else, apparently they have a pipe organ. Love me some pipe organ.
It's far more fascinating than just a pipe organ (which I don't recall seeing).
Both Wilco and Son Volt continue to be interesting - but still enjoy hearing our Uncle Tupelo CDs! Jay Farrar my favorite
Bring on some Scott H. Biram!
But Cherokee street has bongs and bubblers.
Zydeco + blues? Sometimes I need an "11".
SmackDaddy wrote:
If you didn't go to the "City Museum" you missed the best part.
Maybe next time. If for nothing else, apparently they have a pipe organ. Love me some pipe organ.
If you didn't go to the "City Museum" you missed the best part.
Maybe next time. If for nothing else, apparently they have a pipe organ. Love me some pipe organ.
Wow, what a great song. Passion and power.
flyboy wrote:
Thanks, that helps to have context. I was just in St. Louis about 6 weeks ago for the first time. Forgot about Cherokee Street when I was there. But I did get to go in the arch, eat BBQ at some famous place, visit the Budweiser factory, and watch the Cardinals lose to the Mets. I think I pretty much covered the highlights of St. Louis.
If you didn't go to the "City Museum" you missed the best part.
Thanks, that helps to have context. I was just in St. Louis about 6 weeks ago for the first time. Forgot about Cherokee Street when I was there. But I did get to go in the arch, eat BBQ at some famous place, visit the Budweiser factory, and watch the Cardinals lose to the Mets. I think I pretty much covered the highlights of St. Louis.
If you didn't go to the "City Museum" you missed the best part.
thewiseking wrote:
No disrespect to this guitarist, but I find his style pretty rudimentary. Stevie Ray had speed, style and flair. IMHO he made his guitar sound like an extension of himself.
This is along the lines of Stevie's brother Jimmy - straight up and less complex. Still good, but just a different category than Bonamassa and Stevie - those two are virtuosos to my ear.
now THIS is what modern guitarslingers should be. Not another Stevie Ray,Joe Bonamassa "Blues Hammer" bunch of hacks. These dudes got the chops and the voice.
No disrespect to this guitarist, but I find his style pretty rudimentary. Stevie Ray had speed, style and flair. IMHO he made his guitar sound like an extension of himself.
This is along the lines of Stevie's brother Jimmy - straight up and less complex. Still good, but just a different category than Bonamassa and Stevie - those two are virtuosos to my ear.
idiot_wind wrote:
Cherokee St is where the head shops are at. On the south side. Near "The Hill".
Thanks, that helps to have context. I was just in St. Louis about 6 weeks ago for the first time. Forgot about Cherokee Street when I was there. But I did get to go in the arch, eat BBQ at some famous place, visit the Budweiser factory, and watch the Cardinals lose to the Mets. I think I pretty much covered the highlights of St. Louis.
Cherokee St is where the head shops are at. On the south side. Near "The Hill".
Thanks, that helps to have context. I was just in St. Louis about 6 weeks ago for the first time. Forgot about Cherokee Street when I was there. But I did get to go in the arch, eat BBQ at some famous place, visit the Budweiser factory, and watch the Cardinals lose to the Mets. I think I pretty much covered the highlights of St. Louis.
Not sure about the sign. I think of Mexican restaurants/grocery stores and the Cinqo de Mayo Parade when I see Cherokee street. Delmar in the Loop has more head shops. But bonus points for St Louis knowledge!
flyboy wrote:
Cherokee St is where the head shops are at. On the south side. Near "The Hill".
What is a Cherokee Street girl?
I see that Cherokee Street is a big street in St. Louis. Is that what we are talking about? Is there something about that street that I don't know about that is significant to this song?
I see that Cherokee Street is a big street in St. Louis. Is that what we are talking about? Is there something about that street that I don't know about that is significant to this song?
Cherokee St is where the head shops are at. On the south side. Near "The Hill".
jacopo777 wrote:
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
The winner between this band and Wilco is... drum role please.
WILCO
WILCO
Zero sum comparisons are for... drum role please.
Nothing of value.
The parting of Tweedy and Farrar was a win-win (the very definition of a non-zero sum outcome) as they both were able to follow their inspirations in creating not one but two great bands that each bring something different to the table. All this while still being steeped in the legacy of Uncle Tupelo.
They both have stood the test of time.
The winner between this band and Wilco is... drum role please.
WILCO
WILCO
I keep trying to like this song, or any Son Volt song, but, alas, I am not up to the challenge. PSD was made for this.
Now I know why there is a PSD button. Thanks for that.
max_p wrote:
Really: "disturbing"? As in "frightening", "worrying", or "causing anxiety"?
That guitar tone disturbing and monotonous
Flow66 wrote:The song is not bad... but the sound is awful... Sounds compressed or disturbing
Really: "disturbing"? As in "frightening", "worrying", or "causing anxiety"?
Really great stuff, love the whole album 
Liking the music and groove, but the voice is really grating. Can't explain why. 
Somewhere between 6 and 7.
Somewhere between 6 and 7.
msbostick wrote:
Hate this grating, tedious, crappy song!
I'm right there with you, although 'hate' isn't a word I'd use...more like 'extreme displeasure' - heck, I don't know if there's another song I skip faster than this one. In fact I just went 2→1 finally, and I even listened to the entire track before doing so.
And this from someone not prone to commenting on songs I don't like....so there's that too. And I will still say LONG LIVE RP!!
Hate this grating, tedious, crappy song!
I saw them live in support of this album. what an underwhelming show. They were bored and so were we. Still like the music though. This one not so much.
A bit tedious...
sunflowerbee wrote:
hillsboro? someone in hillsboro likes good music?!!
my parents lived there from 1995-2015; spent so much time there
hillsboro? someone in hillsboro likes good music?!!
my parents lived there from 1995-2015; spent so much time there
What is a Cherokee Street girl?
I see that Cherokee Street is a big street in St. Louis. Is that what we are talking about? Is there something about that street that I don't know about that is significant to this song?
I see that Cherokee Street is a big street in St. Louis. Is that what we are talking about? Is there something about that street that I don't know about that is significant to this song?
I think Bill likes this album a lot...haha. Personally I prefer Delgres! 
The song is not bad... but the sound is awful... Sounds compressed or disturbing
DaidyBoy wrote:
Same for me.. But, maybe Cherokee Street is a small, quiet street.
I've heard this before and I love it, but it never works when I find it on PSD for some reason. Just silence ...
Same for me.. But, maybe Cherokee Street is a small, quiet street.
I've heard this before and I love it, but it never works when I find it on PSD for some reason. Just silence ...
Has a native american beat laying under a blues guitar. Genius.
now THIS is what modern guitarslingers should be. Not another Stevie Ray,Joe Bonamassa "Blues Hammer" bunch of hacks. These dudes got the chops and the voice.
Kind of a Buddy Miller vibe going on there. Quite nice.
Mizy_Wizy wrote:
Ditto!
Love this groove
Ditto!
Love this. Son Volt did good with this one.
dig wrote:
agreed !!!
For me, the guitar is the saving grace.
agreed !!!
Scrunchy and superb. The trouble is, I'm spending far too much time following things up now I listen to RP. Looking into Cherokee Street on the interweb; history, culture, celebrations of independence, great learning. Better than CAD anyday.
Love this groove
max_p wrote:
That guitar tone disturbing and monotonous
For me, the guitar is the saving grace.Jay lends his really distinctive voice well to this one, and the wall-of-sound guitar work is astounding, like Neil Young & Big Head Todd.
That guitar tone disturbing and monotonous
I really like it!
Nice fit with Rollin' And Tumblin'
First comment on a new song! Wahoo!!! Nice n grungy! I'll give it a solid "6" right now. May grow on me.