About the song
“Can’t You See,” penned by Toy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band, stands as a seminal piece in the realms of Southern and country rock. Initially recorded for their eponymous debut album in 1973, it emerged as a defining track of the era. Its release as the album’s lead single garnered significant acclaim, described by Record World as “a strong rhythm item that continually builds and builds.” The song’s live rendition in 1977 further solidified its impact, peaking at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The composition is distinctive for its poignant lyrics and musical arrangement, blending elements of country and Southern rock. Notably, the original recording features a memorable flute introduction and conclusion, performed by Jerry Eubanks, adding a unique texture to its sound. Critics and fans alike have lauded its emotive depth, portraying themes of heartache and personal struggle, encapsulated in Caldwell’s evocative lyrics about seeking solace amidst hardship.
Over the years, “Can’t You See” has been revisited by various artists, attesting to its enduring legacy. Waylon Jennings’ rendition in 1976, featured on his album “Are You Ready for the Country,” achieved notable success on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles and RPM Country Tracks charts. Other notable covers include interpretations by artists like Hank Williams Jr., Alabama, and Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock, each bringing their unique interpretations to this iconic piece.
The song continues to resonate across generations, its narrative of resilience and introspection finding resonance with audiences worldwide. Whether in its original studio form or through dynamic live performances, “Can’t You See” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the essence of human experience and emotion.
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Lyrics
I’m gonna take a freight train
Down at the station, Lord
I don’t care where it goes
Gonna climb a mountain
The highest mountain
I’ll jump off, nobody gonna know
Can’t you see, whoa, can’t you see
What that woman, Lord, she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman, she’s been doin’ to me?
I’m gonna find me a hole in the wall
I’m gonna crawl inside and die
‘Cause my lady, now a mean ol’ woman, Lord
Never told me goodbye
Can’t you see, oh, can’t you see
What that woman, Lord, she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman, Lord, she’s been doin’ to me?
I’ve gone to buy a ticket now, as far as I can
Ain’t a-never coming back
Ride me a southbound, all the way to Georgia now
‘Til the train, it run out of track
Can’t you see, oh, can’t you see
What that woman, Lord, she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman, she’ been doin’ to me?
Oh, dear Lord
Can’t you see, whoa, can’t you see
What that woman, Lord, she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see, whoa, can’t you see
What that woman, she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see (oh, she’s such a crazy lady), can’t you see
What that woman (what that woman) she been doin’ to me?
Can’t you see (Lord, I can’t stand), can’t you see
What that woman (oh), she been doin’ to me
Can’t you see (I’m gonna take a freight train), can’t you see (I’m down at the station, Lord)
What that woman, she been doin’ to me (ain’t never comin’ back, oh boy)
Can’t you see (gonna ride me a southbound, now)
Can’t you see (all the way to Georgia, Lord)
What that woman, she been doin’ to me? (‘Til the train run out of track, oh)