About the song
“Can’t You See” is a quintessential track in Southern rock history, exemplifying The Marshall Tucker Band’s unique sound and their ability to blend rock, country, and blues influences. Released in 1973, this iconic song has become a beloved anthem in the genre.
Taken from their self-titled debut album, “Can’t You See” showcases the band’s exceptional musicianship and their ability to fuse genres seamlessly. The song features a memorable guitar riff, soulful vocals, and a smooth, flowing melody that captures the essence of Southern rock. Its introspective lyrics, penned by lead vocalist Doug Gray and guitarist Toy Caldwell, explore themes of longing and introspection, resonating deeply with listeners.
The track achieved notable commercial success, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This success highlights the song’s broad appeal and its impact on both rock and country music audiences. “Can’t You See” also solidified The Marshall Tucker Band’s place in the annals of rock history, marking them as pioneers of the Southern rock genre.
In addition to its chart performance, “Can’t You See” has been widely praised for its enduring appeal and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, further cementing its status as a classic. Its blend of heartfelt lyrics and powerful instrumentation continues to captivate listeners, making it a staple of classic rock and Southern rock playlists.
The song’s legacy extends beyond its commercial success. It has been embraced by fans for its authentic representation of Southern rock’s spirit and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection. “Can’t You See” remains a cherished piece of The Marshall Tucker Band’s discography and a defining moment in the evolution of Southern rock.
Overall, “Can’t You See” is more than just a song; it’s a classic that embodies the heart and soul of The Marshall Tucker Band’s musical vision. Its timeless appeal, coupled with its significant impact on the genre, ensures that it continues to resonate with listeners and stands as a proud emblem of Southern rock’s enduring legacy.
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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)