The Beach Boys

Lyrics

[First Section - "Home on the Range"]

[Verse 1]
Light the lamp and fire mellow
Cabin essence timely hello
Welcomes the time for a change

[Verse 2]
Lost and found, you still remain there
You'll find a meadow filled with grain there
I'll give you a home on the range...

[Second Section - "Who ran the Iron Horse"]

[Refrain]
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
Who ran the iron horse?
[First Section - "Home on the Range"]

[Verse 3]
I want to watch you windblown facing
Waves of wheat for your embracing
Folks sing a song of the grange

Nestle in a kiss below there
The constellations ebb and flow there
And witness our home on the range...

[Second Section - "Who ran the Iron Horse"]

[Refrain]
Who ran the iron horse? (Truck drivin' man, do what you can)
Who ran the iron horse? (High-tail your load off the road)
Who ran the iron horse? (Out of night-life, it's a gas man)
Who ran the iron horse? (I don't believe I gotta grieve)
Who ran the iron horse? (I'm outta luck)
Who ran the iron horse? (with a buck and a booth)
Who ran the iron horse? (Catchin' on to the truth)
Who ran the iron horse? (In the vast past, the last gasp)
Who ran the iron horse? (Land in the dust, trust that you must)
Who ran the iron horse? (Catch as catch can)

[Third Section - "The Grand Coolie Dam"]
[Refrain 1]
Have you seen the Grand Coolie working on the railroad?
Have you seen the Grand Coolie working on the railroad?
Have you seen the Grand Coolie working on the railroad?

[Refrain 2]
Over and over, the crow cries uncover the cornfield
Over and over, the thresher and hover the wheat field
Over and over, the crow cries uncover the cornfield
Over and over, the thresher and hover the wheat field

The Beach Boys are an American rock band known for their intricate harmonies, prolific songwriting, and their ability to capture the essence of California culture. Cabinessence is one of their lesser-known songs, but it is a fascinating piece of music that deserves more recognition. The song was originally intended for their never-released Smile album, but it was later finished in 1969 for their 20/20 album.

About Cabinessence

Cabinessence is a unique song that stands out from the rest of The Beach Boys' music catalogue. Written by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks, the song is a combination of three different sections that form the structure of the song. The song's lyrics are about westward expansion across the American continent and the trans-continental railroads that made it possible. The song is highly controversial amongst Beach Boys fans and is regarded as the tipping point in the Smile project due to certain band members' objections to its artistic lyrics.

The song opens with an ethereal sound that sets the mood for the rest of the song. The first section of the song features a track known as "Home On the Range." This track speaks about the beauty of the landscapes found out west. The lyrics are accompanied by a beautiful melody that captures the beauty of nature and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American west.

The chorus of the song is made up of a section known as "Who Ran the Iron Horse?" The Beach Boys chant about the "Iron Horse" while Dennis Wilson raps about telephone lines and hobos crossing the continent with the trains. The chorus of the song is powerful and gritty, reflecting the harshness of life on the road and the difficulties faced by those who built the trans-continental railroad.

The final section of the song, known as "The Grande Coulee" is a haunting fade-out that speaks about the Chinese laborers who worked on building the trans-continental railroads. The lyrics are poignant and emotional, speaking about the hardships faced by these migrant workers and the sacrifices they made to build a new life in America. One of the workers looks up into the sky and sees a crow flying overhead. He then envisions himself as the crow, flying away in the endless American landscape ("Over and Over").

The Significance of Cabinessence

Cabinessence is a unique song that is not only musically significant but also historically significant. The song is a reflection of the westward expansion across the American continent and the impact it had on the people who built the trans-continental railroads. The song speaks about the beauty of the American west and the harsh realities of life on the road. The song is also a reflection of the struggles faced by the Chinese laborers who built the trans-continental railroads. Their contributions to America's development are often overlooked, and Cabinessence is a fitting tribute to their hard work and sacrifice.

The song's unique structure also sets it apart from other Beach Boys' songs. The combination of different sections to form the song creates a sense of complexity and depth that is not often found in Beach Boys' music. The song is a product of Brian Wilson's experimentation and creativity and reflects his desire to push the boundaries of music and create something unique and powerful.

Cabinessence is a song that deserves more recognition and appreciation. It is a reflection of America's past, and the struggles faced by those who built the country. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics capture the essence of westward expansion and the impact it had on the people of America.

The Legacy of Cabinessence

Cabinessence is a song that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of music lovers. The song's unique structure and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite amongst music critics and fans alike. The song has been covered by many artists, including indie rock band Yo La Tengo, who paid tribute to the song in their album "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One."

Cabinessence's legacy can also be seen in its impact on the development of rock music. The song's unique structure and use of different sections to form the song have influenced many artists, including progressive rock bands such as Yes and Genesis. The song's impact on the development of rock music cannot be overstated, and it remains a testament to Brian Wilson's creativity and experimentation.

In closing, Cabinessence is a fascinating and significant song that deserves more recognition and appreciation. The song's haunting melody and poignant lyrics capture the essence of westward expansion and the hardships faced by those who built the country. The song's impact on the development of rock music cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

• Release Date: February 10, 1969
• Artist: The Beach Boys