“Powderfinger” by Neil Young is an interesting folk song that Young and others usually perform with a heavy rock beat. Cowboy Junkies, however, give it a different treatment.
The storyline is clear, sort of: the young narrator sees trouble coming in the form of the law; he is alone and takes a stand with his daddy’s rifle; he dies in the process, with a final thought of his lady love.
Where the story takes place and other details, Young won’t say. You’re left to noodle it out for yourself.
Neil Young is a talented dude, but frankly, his screechy delivery annoys me. In the case of “Powderfinger,” I much prefer the version by the Junkies. The voice of Margo Timmins is considerably more soothing, and their interpretation seems more appropriate for the storyline.
Powderfinger
By Cowboy Junkies, 1990
Written by Neil Young
Look out, Mama, there’s a white boat coming down 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 get,
The more those feelings grew.
Daddy’s rifle in my arms felt reassuring.
He told me, “Red means run, son.
Numbers add up to nothing.”
But when the 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 splashed 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.
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