About the song
“500 Miles,” performed by the illustrious Joan Baez, is a heartfelt and enduring song that has touched countless listeners since its release. This folk classic, written by Hedy West, is also known as “500 Miles Away from Home” and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Joan Baez’s rendition is particularly notable for its emotional depth and the clarity of her voice, which has made it a standout version of the song.
Joan Baez included “500 Miles” on her 1962 album “Joan Baez in Concert, Part 1,” a live album that captures the raw and intimate energy of her performances. This album was a significant release in Baez’s career, showcasing her ability to connect with her audience through powerful storytelling and her signature soprano voice. “500 Miles” became one of the highlights of this album, resonating deeply with listeners.
The song itself tells the story of a traveler who is far from home and full of regret. The lyrics speak to the universal themes of homesickness, loss, and longing, which Baez delivers with poignant simplicity. Her interpretation of “500 Miles” is both haunting and beautiful, bringing out the melancholic essence of the song.
While “500 Miles” did not chart as a single, it became a beloved part of Joan Baez’s repertoire and a staple of the folk music revival of the 1960s. The song’s timeless quality and Baez’s moving performance have ensured its lasting popularity. The album “Joan Baez in Concert, Part 1” itself was well-received, cementing her status as a leading figure in the folk music scene and reaching number 10 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
For older listeners, “500 Miles” may evoke a sense of nostalgia, recalling a time when folk music was a powerful voice for personal and social expression. The song’s simple yet profound message continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless piece that transcends generations. Joan Baez’s rendition of “500 Miles” remains a testament to her remarkable talent and her ability to convey deep emotion through music, ensuring that this classic song will be cherished for years to come.
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Lyrics
If you miss the train I’m on, you will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles,
A hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles,
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.Lord I’m one, Lord I’m two, Lord I’m three, Lord I’m four,
Lord I’m 500 miles from my home.
500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles
Lord I’m five hundred miles from my home.Not a shirt on my back, not a penny to my name
Lord I can’t go on this a-way
This a-away, this a-way, this a-way, this a-way,
Lord I can’t go on this a-way.If you miss the train I’m on you will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.
A hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles,
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.
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