About the song
“Can’t You See” is a classic song written by Toy Caldwell and originally performed by The Marshall Tucker Band. It first appeared on their self-titled debut album in 1973 and was released as the album’s initial single. The song is a memorable blend of country rock and Southern rock, with a distinctive flute introduction and ending, played by Jerry Eubanks. Record World praised the track as a “strong rhythm item that continually builds and builds.”
The song’s powerful blend of guitar and flute creates a unique sound that has resonated with listeners for decades. In 1977, a live version of “Can’t You See,” recorded at the Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, was featured as the final track on the band’s album “Searchin’ for a Rainbow.” Cash Box highlighted the live performance for showcasing the band’s distinctive guitar and flute sounds.
“Can’t You See” is known for its emotional depth and reflective lyrics. The song portrays a man grappling with heartache and searching for healing, capturing a sense of longing and introspection. Its dark, poignant lyrics paint a picture of a man trying to escape his troubles, symbolizing a deeper quest for emotional recovery.
Over the years, many artists have covered “Can’t You See,” each adding their own twist to this timeless track. Waylon Jennings recorded a version in 1976, which reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and topped the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. Hank Williams Jr. also included it in his 1975 album “Hank Williams Jr. and Friends.”
Other notable renditions include Matt Minglewood’s version from his 1979 album, which remains a staple in his live performances, and Black Stone Cherry’s 2011 cover. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in these various adaptations, each highlighting its emotional resonance and musical versatility.
Video
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)