“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something about “Slow Train” by Status Quo that feels like a journey—not just in the literal sense of the title, but in the way it takes you on a ride through raw energy, emotion, and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Released as part of their 1974 album “Quo,” this track showcases the band at perhaps their heaviest and most authentic.
The song tells the story of someone who can’t afford a ticket on “an old Dakota airplane” and instead must “jump a ride on a cattle trucking slow train.” Despite these humble circumstances, there’s a sense of contentment in the repeated refrain: “Guess it doesn’t matter as long as I can get my head down in the sun.” It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the band’s no-frills approach to both music and life.
What makes “Slow Train” special is its multi-tempo structure. Starting with a measured pace that mimics the steady rhythm of a train, it gradually builds momentum until it’s barreling down the tracks at full speed. Francis Rossi’s distinctive vocals and guitar work shine throughout, complemented by the solid rhythm section of Alan Lancaster on bass and John Coghlan on drums.
Penned by Francis Rossi and roadie-turned-songwriter Bob Young, the song was likely inspired during their American tour supporting the “Hello!” album. Despite being one of the standout tracks on “Quo,” it mysteriously never became a regular part of their live repertoire. This absence from their concert setlists has only added to its mystique among dedicated fans, making it something of a hidden treasure in their extensive catalog.
At nearly eight minutes long, “Slow Train” represents Status Quo at their most expansive and experimental, while still maintaining the boogie-rock foundation that made them legends. It’s a testament to their willingness to stretch beyond the radio-friendly format without losing their distinctive sound—a perfect example of why they remained relevant through changing musical landscapes.
For those discovering Status Quo beyond their hits like “Pictures of Matchstick Men” or “Rockin’ All Over the World,” “Slow Train” offers a glimpse into the band’s deeper artistic vision—a journey well worth taking, no matter how slow the train might be.
Video
Lyrics
I can’t afford a ticket on an old Dakota airplane
I gotta jump a ride on a cattle-trucking slow train
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun
I wrote a rockin’ song, gonna sing it at the station
I’ll finish all the words when I reach my destination
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun
Hey mama, please now don’t you fret none
Don’t worry, but please don’t you forget
Hey mama, please don’t get upset none
I gotta leave to find me something better
Hey mama, things gonna work out fine now
Believe me, no need for you to write
Hey mama, things gonna work out fine now
I gotta friend who said that she’d invite me
I came here in the morning and I crept out in the middle of night
I gave nobody warning I was leaving and I felt it was right
Now I’m off again, it sure is feeling all right
Got a feeling that I’m leaving with a ticket and I won’t jump a ride
It’s no good you believing that my leaving was a wrong, it was right
Now I’m off again, it sure is feeling all right
I can’t afford a ticket on an old Dakota airplane
I gotta jump a ride on a cattle-trucking slow train
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun
I wrote a rockin’ song, gonna sing it at the station
I’ll finish all the words when I reach my destination
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun
I guess it doesn’t matter
As long as I can get my head down in the sun