FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: KOHOUTEK

Is this Michael Stipe's first love song?  It's definitely a lost love song, similar to 'The One I Love' but without the misogyny.  Aren't some of the best love songs lost love songs anyway?  Unrequited love songs?  Well, maybe not.  Also, can we assert that Stipe has inserted himself in his song in a very vulnerable and personal way?  Or is this just another character like Kensey.  As always, it's probably a blending of the two.
  Kohoutek is of course a comet.  However, don't set up the telescope just yet, the flying space detritus will not visit us again for about 75,000 years.  When you relate that to the context of this song, it seems pretty final. 
  On the 2009 release of the songs in Dublin, Buck asks Stipe to apologize before playing the song.  There are not many instances of this song being performed live and I'm willing to bet that the band forgot about it ... likely on purpose.  It's not a bad song, but it probably is not high on the setlist priority.  Stipe goes on to say that the band was 'terrified.  I hope you enjoy it.'  They then rock through it and I for one am glad they did or we might never had known the lyrics.


KOHOUTEK
Who will stand alone?

She carried ribbons, she wore them out
Courage built a bridge, jealous tore it down
At least it’s something you’ve left behind
Like Kohoutek, you were gone

We sat in the garden, we stood on the porch
We fooled around ourselves
We never talked

She wore bangles, she wore bells on her toes
And she jumped like a fish, like the flying fish you were gone
Like Kohoutek, can’t forget that

Fever built a bridge, reason tore it down
If I’m wrong to follow
Who will stand alone?

Maybe you’re not the problem
Scissor, paper, stone
If you stand and holler
Foolish proves its own

She carried ribbons, she wore them out
Michael built a bridge, Michael tore it down
At least it’s something, you’ve left behind
Like Kohoutek, you were gone

Michael built a bridge, Michael tore it down
If I stand and holler
Will I stand alone?


As with most Buck leads, there are a number of ways to play it.  Buck tends to bend on the B string of the second fret and then travel up to the 7th fret.  You could also play it entirely around the D chord.  I have opted to keep it between the 6th and 9th frets because it looks more impressive. 

KOHOUTEK
Intro/Chorus:

e|-0-0---0-0-0-0-0-0---0-----3--------|

B|-0-0---0-0-0-0-0-0---3-----3--------|

G|-0-0---0-0-0-0-0-0---0-----0--------|

D|-0-2---2-0-2-0-2-0---5-x3--0--------|

A|-2-2---2-2-2-2-2-2---5-----2--------|

E|-0-0---0-0-0-0-0-0---0-----3--------|

Verse:

e|-0---0---0-----0-----0-----|

B|-3---3---3-----3-----0-----|

G|-0---2---0-----2-x3--0-----|

D|-2---0---2-4-2-0-----2-----|

A|---------------------2-----|

E|---------------------0-----|

Lead:

Start walkdown under end of chorus.

Repeat from the bend and after 3 times.

e|--------------------------------------|

B|-10-8-7-8-7---------------8-7---------|

G|-------9---9-7-6-7b-7---7----9-6------|

D|-------------------7-7>9-9------------|

A|--------------------------------------|

E|--------------------------------------|

FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: GREEN GROW THE RUSHES

If you've been wondering where the political Michael Stipe is, look no further.  He emerges on the second half of this album.  A not so faithful representation of the Irish folk song, although the chorus is fairly similar, Rushes is a diatribe about the treatment illegal immigrants--but are they offered a pound because the song was recorded in London?  The song is rarely performed, but you can see a version on YouTube that is extremely faithful.  It's safe to say that this might be one of the songs Berry thinks 'sucked.'  It's a strange moment in R.E.M. history, the more narrative Stipe finds, the less he can deliver vocals with fervor.  He is enamored with the lyrics now and he wants to get them right.  If you ever witnessed an early R.E.M. show and then a later performance, you know what I mean.  It's difficult to flail about when you want to get a point across.  This is the beginning of what leads the band to Out Of Time.  It is also the type of music that make them perfect for the show that Unplugged five years after this.
  A great little song, I especially like the coda-like ending.  Embellishing the earlier riff into something a little more urgent.

GREEN GROW THE RUSHES
The wheelbarrow's fallen, look at my hands
They've found some surplus cheaper hands
Rubbing palms and pick and choose
Who will they choose?
Here is the news

Look at that building, look at this man
Haloed and whitewashed
Gone to find a cheaper hand
(Hand)
He'll offer a pound, offer a pound

Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
(Green grow the rushes go)
The compass points the workers home

Pay for your freedom, find another gate
Guilt by associate, the rushes wilted a long time ago
Guilty as you go

Stay off that highway, word is it's not so safe
The grasses that hide the greenback
The amber waves of gain, of gain
The amber waves of grain

Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
Green grow the rushes go
(Green grow the rushes go)
The compass points the workers home

La, la, la, la, la, lie
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)
La, la, la, la, la, lie
(Green grow the rushes go)


Reportedly, Peter Buck wasn't a huge fan of this particular riff.  However, it was a tune that Stipe had lyrics for which surprised Buck.  Much of the riff is a rehash of '7 Chinese Bros' and another part of it is from 'Wolves, Lower.'  Put 'em together ... new song!  It's also becoming clear that the Buck likes D to G ... hey, has there ever been a better guitar chord pairing?  You be the judge.

GREEN GROW THE RUSHES

Intro/Chorus

e|--0------0--0--0------2-2--2--2-222222-------|

B|---2-3>5--3--3----x3--3--3--3---333333-------|

G|-2------4--4--4-------4---4--4--444444-------|

D|-0--------------------4---------444444-------|

A|----------------------2---------222222-------|

E|----------------------2---------222222-------|

Verse:

e|-2-2-2-3-2-3-3-3-------2-2-2-2-2-0-0------0---|

B|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-------3-3-3-3-3-0--0------0--|

G|-2-2-2-2-2-0-0-0-------4-4-4-4-4-1---1-1>2----|

D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-----0-4-4-4-4-4-2------------|

A|-----------2-2-2-0-2h--2-2-2-0-2-2------------|

E|-----------3-3-3-------2-2-2-0-2-0------------|

Bridge:

e|----------------------------------------------------------------------|

B|----------------------------------------------------------------------|

G|-14-14-14-12-11-12-12-12-12-11-9-11-11-11-11-9-7-7-7-7-9h-7-4>7-7-7-0-|

D|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0-0--0--0--0--0-0-0-0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-0-0-|

A|----------------------------------------------------------------------|

E|----------------------------------------------------------------------|

Outro:

e|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0------------------|

B|-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10------------------|

G|-11-11-11-12-11-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12------------------|

D|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0------------------|

A|------------------------------------------------------------|

E|------------------------------------------------------------|

e|--0--0--0--0--0--------------------|

B|-10-10-10-10-10--------------------|

G|-11-11-11-12-11-11-12h-11--11-11---|

D|--0--0--0--0--0----------12-----12-|

A|-----------------------------------|

E|-----------------------------------|

e|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0-0---------0--------------------|

B|-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-8-8--7----5-5-5-5-5-7h-5-5-----|

G|-11-11-11-12-11-12-12-12-12-11-9--9--9---6-------------7------|

D|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0-0---9--9--7--------------------|

A|--------------------------------------------------------------|

E|--------------------------------------------------------------|

End:

e|----------0-0-0-0-0-----2-2-2-3-2--|

B|--8--7----5-5-5-5-5-----3-3-3-3-3--|

G|---9--9---6-6-6-6-6-x3--2-2-2-0-2--|

D|----9--9--7-7-7-7-7-----0-0-0-0-0--|

A|------------------------------2----|

E|------------------------------3----|

FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: CANT GET THERE FROM HERE

This is exactly the type of R.E.M. track that makes this blog so challenging and interesting.  The song itself can be likened to 'We Walk' in that it provides a bit of comic relief to an otherwise serious album.  Proof that the members of the band prefer not to take themselves too seriously.  There are plenty of in-jokes and word changes and just utter nonsensical lyrics to keep people guessing on this semi-tribute to soul and gospel artists, specifically Ray Charles, but also James Brown, etc., hence the horns.
  Caliche is basically clay or hardpan.  In the (very interesting) video for this, caliche is spelled wrong and in fact is spelled wrong all across the internet.  Speaking of the video (link below) it is the first watchable video in the R.E.M. collection, but is also the exact reason a show like 120 minutes was invented on MTV.  Too artsy for primetime viewing.  It's a good look at the band goofing off with a surprising amount of face time for Jefferson Holt.  Philomath is defined specifically as a scholar and was the name chosen for a town in Georgia where Stipe would visit his friend the Reverend Ruth, who would play on a small home organ while his wife would sing gospel songs.
  'Driss is sure to shirr the deer out:'  I really wanted to come up with something for this, I mean he must be saying something right?  I wanted the first word to be 'dresses,' but it's not.  Why waste time and energy?  This is Stipe land where you've earned the right to say anything and get away with it.  Which reminds me of a list I read on Spinner which called one of Stipe's lyrics one of the worst ever.  It was from 'Leaving New York' and the lyric was 'leaving was never my proud' because he switched a part of speech.  Spinner?  Hello!!  Where have you been for 25 years!  Stipe has been fucking with language since the internet was the military and Al Gore in his basement on a Commodore 64.  Stipe's greatest strength is his ability to change tenses, pronouns, and nouns to verbs.   Of particular note are Mills and Berry alternating 'I'll get there' and 'I've been there,'  I also suspect that at times they are saying 'another way' but the sounds are too close together to make that call.  Also, it's likely Stipe says 'by Jove,' but 'by Joan' is closer to what it sounds like, by John is another substitute possibility.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD3cYh5Pp1I

CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE
When the world is a monster
Bad to swallow you whole
Kick the clay that holds the teeth in
Throw your trolls out the door

If you’re needing inspiration
Philomath is where I go, by Joan
Lawyer Jeff he knows the low down
He’s mighty bad to visit home, no

(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)

When your hands are feeling empty
Stick head jumping off the ground, ground
Driss is sure to shirr the deer out
Brother Ray to my song

(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)

Hands down, caliche bound
Land locked, kiss the ground
The dirt of seven continents going round and round
Go on ahead, Mr. city-wide, hypnotized
Suit and tied
Gentlemen, testify

If the world is a monster
Bad to swallow you hole
Philomath they know the low-down
Throw your trolls out the door

(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ve been there I know the way)
Can’t get there from here
(I’ll get there I know the way)

Thank you, Ray


This was the song I was afraid of and really had a hard time with.  However, in the end it's really easy and fun to play.  The information on the internet is laughable.  When you try this out, you'll see what I mean.  I like how Peter can play the same chord twice in a row and make it sound like two chords, ie the E going into the lead in to the chorus and B at the end of the chorus.  Also, feel free to lift the bar on the first B chord to simulate Mike Mills in the verse.  I suspect that Mr. Buck is doing some other doodling with his pinkie in the verse, but it is superfluous.  Enjoy!

CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE

Intro:

e|----------77777--------------|

B|----------77777-77-7-99-9----|

G|----------77777-77-7-99-9----|

D|----------------77-7-99-9----|

A|-2-0-------------------------|

E|----3-0----------------------|

Verse:

e|-----------7-------------7---7------|

B|-77-7>99-9-7---77-7>99-9-7---7------|

G|-77-7>99-9-8---77-7>99-9-8---9------|

D|-77-7>99-9-9---77-7>99-9-9---9------|

A|-----------7-------------7---7------|

E|-----------7-------------7---7------|

e|-------------------0-0--0-0---0-0----------|

B|--------------------0-0--0-0---0-0---------|

G|-9---10---8---5---4----4-----3----3-3------|

D|-9---11---9---6---5----5-----4----4-4------|

A|-7---11---9---6---5----5-----4----4-4-2-0--|

E|------9---7---4---3----3-----2----2-2----3-|

Chorus: x3

e|-0---0---2-------|

B|-0---2---2-------|

G|-1---2---3-------|

D|-2---2---4-------|

A|-2---0---4-2-0---|

E|-0---0---2----3--|

e|-0---0---2--------0-0--0-0--|

B|-0---2---2---------0-0--0-0-|

G|-1---2---3---6---8----8-----|

D|-2---2---4---7---9----9-----|

A|-2---0---4---7---9----9-----|

E|-0---0---2---5---7----7-----|

Middle Bridge:

e|-0---0>0---0>0<0---0----------------|

B|-0---0>0---0>0<0---0----------------|

G|-4---6>7---7>9<6---8----------------|

D|-4---6>7---7>9<7---9----------------|

A|-2---4>5---5>7<7---9----------------|

E|-0---0>0---0>0<5---7----------------|

End:

e|-0-0-0-0----------------------|

B|-0-0-0-3----------------------|

G|-1-1-1-1----------------------|

D|-2-2-0-0----------------------|

A|-2-2-2-2----------------------|

E|-0-0-0-0----------------------|

-BW

FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: OLD MAN KENSEY

It seems that the lyrics online for this song are cursory.  I don't think the person transcribing listened very closely to the words.  With the power of YouTube and demo versions, all of which are very true to the recorded version, I have put together a clearer picture of the song.  As with all Stipe lyrics there is some trickery involved and the delivery is again lackadaisical.  For instance, I'm not entirely sure of 'John, Bill, and Ted (or Ed)' but it is as close as anything.  An early live version has Stipe saying 'Flax in my elbow' which prompted my flax decision.   Another knock on the online transcription is noting the bridge as unintelligible.  I find that part of the song perhaps Stipe's clearest delivery.
  The song itself is about a real person who, surprise, was a helper of the Rev. Howard Finster.  He would kidnap dogs and ransom them for beer money among other strange exploits.  Another side note, local Athens musician Jerry Ayers was given a songwriting credit for contributions on this song. Only the second non-member of the band to be assigned such an honor. 

OLD MAN KENSEY
Old man Kensey wants to be a sign painter
First he’s gotta learn to read
He’s gonna be a clown on TV
Flax in his elbow, time to breathe
(If that’s my folly)
I believe

Drink up the lake
Kensey’s awake
(If that’s my folly)
That’s my mistake

Old man Kensey wants to be a goalie
First he’s gotta learn to count
He’s gonna be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed, soft dog talk
(If that’s my folly)
Kensey’s going far

John, Bill, and Ted
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go

(If you see myself as you do)
(If you see myself as you do)
If we miss a chance, whoa, oh
(If you see myself as you do)
If we miss a chance, whoa, oh
(If I live my life as you)

Old man Kensey wants to be a dog catcher
First he’s gotta learn to stand
He’s gonna be a clown in a marching band
Letters to me signed
Ransom greed
(If that’s my folly)
I believe

Drink up the lake
John, Bill, and Ed
(If that’s my folly)
That’s my mistake

Kensey’s awake
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go

Drink up the lake
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go


This song is actually fairly easy.  Sparse with a lot of picking, it completely captures the mood of this strange character.  It's a bit of a downer, but is extremely fun to play.  Something I've noticed on this song, on the 'chords' strum up with gusto.  Really brings out the Buck!

OLD MAN KENSEY
Bass Intro:

e|------------------------------------------|

B|------------------------------------------|

G|------------------------------------------|

D|--------------2-3-4-----------------------|

A|-2-0-2-(2)-(2)-----2-0-2-(2)-(2)-(2)-(2)--|

E|--3-----------------3---------------------|

Intro:

e|------------------------0--------------------0-0-0-0---|

B|------------------------0--------------------0-0-0-0---|

G|------------------------4--------------------4-2-2-4h--|

D|---------------0--------2-----------0--------2---------|

A|-0-0-0-0-2h-0-2-4-2-0-2h--0-0-2h-0-2-4-2-0-2h----------|

E|-------------------------------------------------------|

Verse:

e|--------------|

B|---0--0-------|

G|----0---------|

D|--4----4------|

A|-2---0--------|

E|--------------|

Chorus: x3

e|----------------------------------|

B|----------0--------------0--0--0--|

G|----0------2-2>4---0------2--2----|

D|-2-4-4-0-2--2---2-4-4-0-2--2--2---|

A|----------------------------------|

E|----------------------------------|

e|---------0----|

B|---------0----|

G|----0----2----|

D|-2-4-4-0-2----|

A|--------------|

E|--------------|

Middle Bridge:

e|---------------------0----|

B|----0--0--0-------0---0---|

G|---3-3--3--3----1--1---1--|

D|--4---4--4--4--2----2-----|

A|-4------------2-----------|

E|--------------------------|

-BW

FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

This song, lyrically, was not too difficult, but Stipe had me searching on a couple of words.  Particularly the bit about 'kiss to see you' where 'kiss' is the closest I can get.   The story behind the song follows the real and very strange author Brivs Mekis who wrote a book called Life: How to Live.  The strange part is that, according to Stipe, Mr. Mekis divided up his house into two sides and had separate clothes and furnishings for both sides.  His book was not found until after his death, self-published, copied and in his closet.  You can buy a copy online today!  Below find the link to a couple of cool live versions.  Some of the lyrics have changed over the years including 'shine it's flaws' over 'job has flaws,' but it's pretty much the same as it was.  In the live show from Germany check out how he pretty much just screams the entire ending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRBMxBawLZ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XHB35uRzE4

LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT
Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Two doors with names before your others and your own
Keep these notes well stocked away, take your happy home

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Raise the walls, the job has flaws, the carpenters should rest
So that when you tire of one side, the other serves you best

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

The hills ring, hear the woods in time
Listen to the holler
Listen to my walls within my tongue
Kiss to see you when my ears go tin
The air quick and tension building
Interference and suddenly
Life and how to live it

Raise the walls, the job has flaws, the carpenters should rest
So that when you tire of one side, the other serves you best
Read about the wisdom laws a knock, knock, knock
It’s a secret knock when hammers lock, the other wisdom lost

My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there
My carpenter’s out and I’m running about, and blocking in the, listen to the holler
Pockets are out and I’m running about,
You mark it in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Listen, listen to the howl, yea
I’m gonna write a book it will be called, life and how to live it.


I'm not going to lie, I had to redo this one a couple of times.  The live stuff didn't help at first and just made things more confusing.  This song was one of the original reasons I started this blog when I figured out the intro.  I was very proud of myself.  But I was wrong.  But since the notes were correct and it was easier to play, I've left it as an option in the tab.  Don't forget to emphasize the note changes in the verse riff before the lyrics start and once the drums kick in play fast and loose!  Also, don't be intimidated by the way the verse riff looks, it's just a barred C to D with some pinkie movement.  Enjoy!  One of my all time favorites ... maybe top 5.

LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT

Easier Intro:

e|-0-0--2--0--0--0---2--3--5--5--5>7-0---|

B|-1--1--1--1--1------3--3--3--3-----1---|

G|-0---0--0--0--0------2--2--2--2----0---|

D|-2---------------------------------2---|

A|-3--------------3>5----------------3---|

E|-0---------------------------------0---|

Intro: (Buck version)

e|-3----------------3>5-------5--5--5--5>7-3----|

B|-5-5--7--5--5--5--5>7-7--8---------------5----|

G|-5--5--5--5--5--5-5>7--7--7--7--7--7-----5----|

D|-3----------------3>5--------------------3----|

A|-3---3--3--3--3---3>5---5--5--5--5--5----3----|

E|-3----------------3>5--------------------3----|

Verse Riff:

e|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

B|-7-7-7-5-5-3-5-5-3-5-5-3>5-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

G|-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5>7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7<5-----|

D|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-7-7-7-7<3-----|

A|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

E|-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3>5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5<3-----|

Chorus: x2

e|-3---0---3---0---5-------------|

B|-3---3---3---3---7-------------|

G|-0---0---0---0---7-------------|

D|-0---0---0---0---5-------------|

A|-2---3---2---3---5-------------|

E|-3---0---3---0---5-------------|

Post Chorus Bridge and End: x2

e|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

B|-10---11---10-5---7-------|

G|-10---10---10-5---7-------|

D|-10---10---10-5---7-------|

A|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

E|--8----8----8-3---5-------|

End on D

FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: DRIVER 8

I don't have too much to add to this song lyrically, they are found as below with a few minor differences everywhere online.  The song was one of the few they had been playing live before the Fables demo sessions.  It's a great little railroad song that was released as a single in the US, but not abroad.  Perhaps the railroad thing was deemed as too American.  The lackluster video for the song didn't exactly help.
  There are some changes I considered making.  On the recording, the word 'crescent' sounds like 'pressing,' however after peeking at a couple of live recordings it was clear that Stipe says 'crescent.'  The second is the word 'shield' to 'shiel' which is a hut or a covering.  The word was also used to describe confidence games by con artists.  Shield is a safer bet, though even if Stipe doesn't finish the word.

DRIVER 8
The walls are built up
Stone by stone
The fields divided one by one
And the train conductor says take a break driver 8
Driver 8 take a break we’ve been on this shift too long

And the train conductor says
(Driver 8)
Take a break driver 8
(Driver 8)
Driver 8 take a break we can reach our destination
We’re still a ways away
(But it’s still a ways away)

I saw a treehouse on the outskirts of the farm
The power lines have floaters so the airplanes won’t get snagged
The bells are ringing through the town again
The children look up all they hear is sky blue bells ring

And the train conductor says
(Driver 8)
Take a break driver 8
(Driver 8)
Driver 8 take a break we can reach our destination
We’re still a ways away
(But it’s still a ways away)
But we’re still a ways away
(But it’s still a ways away)

A way to shield the hated heat
A way to put myself to sleep
A way to shield the hated heat
A way to put myself, my children to sleep

He piloted this song in a plane like that one
She is selling faith on the go tell crusade
Locomotive 8, southern crescent, hear the bells ring again
The fields of wheat is looking thin

And the train conductor says
(Driver 8)
Take a break driver 8
(Driver 8)
Driver 8 take a break we’ve been on this shift too long
And the train conductor says
(Driver 8)
Take a break driver 8
(Driver 8)
Driver 8 take a break we can reach our destination
We’re still a ways away
(But it’s still a ways away)
But we’re still a ways away
(But it’s still a ways away)


The versions of this song online are fairly accurate, but in looking at Buck's hands, he definitely goes up to the 9th fret for the riff instead of down the D string. Also, in the recording he doesn't slide from the 4th note to the 5th note of the D string, but he does so live.

DRIVER 8

Intro/ Bridge to last Verse

e|---------------------------------|

B|---------------------------------|

G|----------------------0--0-0-0-0-|

D|-2-------------4>5>9-------------|

A|-2------2-0-2-3-----10-10-9-7-0--|

E|-0-0-2-3-------------------------|

Verse

e|-0---0---3---3----|

B|-0---1---3---3----|

G|-0---2---0---0----|

D|-2---2---0---0----|

A|-2---0---2---0----|

E|-0---0---3---2----|

Chorus

e|-0-0--x-0--0-------|

B|-7-7--3--3---------|

G|-7-7--0---0--------|

D|-0-0--2------------|

A|------3------------|

E|------0------------|

Chorus/ Outro

e|--------------------------|

B|--------------------------|

G|--------------------------|

D|---0---0---0---0----------|

A|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2---------|

E|-0---2---3---2---0--------|

Middle Bridge

e|-0---0----0---0---0-------0-------3---2-2-3-3-2-----|

B|-1---1----1---1---1-------1-------3---3-3-3-3-3-----|

G|-2---2----2---0---0-----0-0-----0-0---2-2-2-2-2-----|

D|-2-0-2h-0-2h--0---2-0-2h--2-0-2h--0---0-0-0-0-0-----|

A|-0---0----0---0---3-------3-------2-----------------|

E|-0---0----0---0---0-------0-------3-----------------|

End on Em