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Michelle Shocked — If Love Was a Train
Album: Short Sharp Shocked
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 574









Released: 1988
Length: 4:02
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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If love was a train
I think I would ride a slow one
One that would ride thru the night
Making every stop
If love was a train
I would feel no pain and I would never get off

If love was a train
I think I would ride me a long one
Hear me talking
I'm talking fifty boxcars long
Aw, what's the use?
Most trains these days
Ain't got no engine
Much less a caboose woo woo!

Look out here she comes
Look out there she goes

If love was a train
I'd throw my body on her tracks
If love was a train
I'd throw my body right down on her tracks
If love was a train
I would feel no pain
As she rolled right down my back

But love ain't no train
More like a broncing bull
And the most you get's 15 seconds
In that saddle
And even if you manage to ride
You are all shaken up inside
And it's gonna be a long time
Before you ride that bull again

If love was a train
But love ain't no train...
Comments (117)add comment
forgot about this one. even better now. thanks RP
Posted 5 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
 themusicroob wrote:
Reading the comments from five years ago, I was intrigued and googled the event in question. It didn't take more than five minutes to find that her comments were totally twisted and misinterpreted, and even that she predicted they would be. From what I can see, she's totally against any form of homophobia, and was basically pitying those who hold those beliefs.

Just a thought, when you hear that someone's said something incendiary, is it possibly worth the 30 seconds it takes to find out what they actually said before passing comment, instead of playing into the hands of cynical journalists who'll take every word out of context to make a quick buck by making people angry and hateful?

Great song.
 
Thanks for that. We're all too knee-jerk these days.
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Reading the comments from five years ago, I was intrigued and googled the event in question. It didn't take more than five minutes to find that her comments were totally twisted and misinterpreted, and even that she predicted they would be. From what I can see, she's totally against any form of homophobia, and was basically pitying those who hold those beliefs.

Just a thought, when you hear that someone's said something incendiary, is it possibly worth the 30 seconds it takes to find out what they actually said before passing comment, instead of playing into the hands of cynical journalists who'll take every word out of context to make a quick buck by making people angry and hateful?

Great song.
Posted 5 years ago by themusicroob    [ Reply ]
Good Gawd folks, the song was great when first released, it's still good now.

For her to show up in Frisco and make that rant,...well, somethings wrong there, right?! Does anyone suppose that she might be in a slightly diminished capacity?! That she could be or has broken down in some way?! Is anyone really thinking this through? Because if it doesn't look right and doesn't sound right clearly there must be something wrong!
Posted 11 years ago by Monkeysdad    [ Reply ]
Add me to the list of those disgusted by this bigot. Please don't provide her any more attention or income (some of which comes from my contributions to RP).
Posted 11 years ago by pvg44    [ Reply ]
Surprised you guys played her today.
Her recent anti-gay tirade is inexcusable and ignorant. Why are you giving her air time?
Perhaps it was a clever scheme to get comments? If so, it worked. This is the first time I've ever stopped by to comment on your boards. {#Mad}
Love RP, keep up the good work, promise not to play any more Michelle Shocked and I promise I'll visit the Website more often. Deal?
Posted 11 years ago by snunyc    [ Reply ]
Yeah — a great song — but personally, I can't listen to her music anymore given her most recent vocalization about her personal politics re: gay marriage. She exudes ignorance, bigotry,and hatred in what she said in San Fran at hear last concert. I boycott Michelle Shocked, and I think RP should, too.
Posted 11 years ago by beattrix68    [ Reply ]
Very weird. I have always liked her but she appears to have gone off the deep end:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1552539/michelle-shockeds-tour-vanishes-following-anti-gay-comments
Posted 11 years ago by capzfan    [ Reply ]
In the same year:
My room mate had a poster of Michelle on his wall, I asked him to play me some; I said "God this sounds like the kinda music my Dad likes!"

And yes I still feel too young for this.


 catnip wrote:
Saw her do this live in 1988, in the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, one of the best gigs I've ever seen.

God, I feel old. 
 

Posted 11 years ago by sajitjacob    [ Reply ]
Personally, I'd like to see her removed from the play list, but that's just me... and all my gay friends and family....
Posted 11 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
surprised to hear her today given all the press she's made for herself recently...
Michelle Shocked Controversy Continues: The Damning Audio Transcript

Posted 11 years ago by lazylemming    [ Reply ]
After her recent homophobic comments, I'm going to have to say no.
Posted 11 years ago by plaid    [ Reply ]
After her recent anti-gay rant, she should be banned from RP.
Posted 11 years ago by LastChance    [ Reply ]
this song just hit me the right way today. I am bumping my rating from a 72 an 8.
Posted 11 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Saw her do this live in 1988, in the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, one of the best gigs I've ever seen.

God, I feel old. 
Posted 11 years ago by catnip    [ Reply ]
...AHHH,..come on,bill.....WHAT a set:

Michelle Shocked - If Love Was a Train
Ray LaMontagne - Henry Nearly Killed Me (It's a shame)
Chris Isaak - Round 'n' Round

.....my ass gets tired from shaking.....thanx.....funny.......
Posted 11 years ago by rockpommel16    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
  Since when does blues or R&B concern itself with exact grammar, anyhow?
 
Hear hear!  Are you seriously telling that a song called "I Can't Get Any Satisfaction" wouldn't suck? Rock 'n roll is not a corporate memo.  It's a basic mistake - the genre determines the level of formality needed.

 
Posted 11 years ago by Nerubo    [ Reply ]
Dyn-o-mite !
 
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
This takes me back ... 1990? Let's hear more from this album - it's all good.
Posted 11 years ago by clive369    [ Reply ]
Love this.  Lyrics are clever and funny and it's a really rocking piece.
Posted 11 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Me Shell Shocked.
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
bring it on into the station now.
Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Damn... I think I ..Ummmm I have to go clean up now...
Wow.. that was a sexy cut!...
Posted 11 years ago by jsanio    [ Reply ]
Awesome RP! Great to hear MS.
Posted 11 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of a solo weekend camping trip.  Well, solo as in me, my tent, my guitar, a case of beer, a boom box with CD player and Michelle Shocked!
Posted 11 years ago by rockstarbro    [ Reply ]
"If love was a train, I'd never get off" ... I'd rethink this metaphor, hun.
Posted 12 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear a LOT more Michelle Shocked on RP
Posted 12 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

You can't dance to this?  Turn up your speakers.

 
Couldn't agree more - astounding to hear that comment.

Posted 12 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Apart from all the grammatical pick-aparts, I still don't favor this song as one of her best. Not rating it, because I just can't dance to it.
 
You can't dance to this?  Turn up your speakers.

Yes, grammatically, it should be "were" (subjunctive) instead of "was" (indicative), but "was" sounds better in the flow of the song.  Since when does blues or R&B concern itself with exact grammar, anyhow?



Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
It's got a nice beat, I can dance to it, and it's good-time boogie woogie.  I'm getting on the Love Train!
Posted 12 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Love IS a train....sing it Michelle!
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Love this CD and this song, even though it's pretty out of character with the rest of the songs on the album. MS has a voice that would fit well with more like this.... And, I agree, Pete Anderson's guitar work on this song is perfect, tasteful, makes you want to shout how good it is.

Posted 12 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
Love=Train?

10!
Posted 12 years ago by sherf    [ Reply ]
MoJo Movin' Music . . . Dig It . .
Posted 12 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
I love trains. I love love. I love Michelle Shocked.
Posted 12 years ago by RickyBobby    [ Reply ]
So..."love" are plural?
 

Yes, as a matter of fact, love are plural. {#Daisy}
Posted 12 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 RedGuitar wrote:
Who's playin' that electric guitar?
 
that's pete anderson.  we used to go to any dwight yoakum concerts( in the 80's) within a 200 mile radius just to hear him play. he's all  that.           good times/cheap gas 

Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
 RedGuitar wrote:
Who's playin' that electric guitar?
 
That's a good question and I'm glad you asked. It's Dwight Yoakam's right-hand man, Pete Anderson, who is the producer on this album.
Posted 12 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Hell yeah!  Sing it for us!!!!! Love it!
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Love this song!
Posted 12 years ago by lasker98    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by PA1749    [ Reply ]
But if you ride a long one and a slow one, what's the point, if you never get off?

;)
Posted 13 years ago by g-rod    [ Reply ]
Never heared this before, very, very nice sound!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Sounds a LOT like "When I grow up..."

Posted 13 years ago by ubuntourist    [ Reply ]
Who's playin' that electric guitar?
Posted 13 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Apart from all the grammatical pick-aparts, I still don't favor this song as one of her best. Not rating it, because I just can't dance to it.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
If Michelle Shocked was a train I think I would jump off.
Posted 13 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
That never made sense to me either.

 scott_bruce wrote:

So..."love" are plural?
 


Posted 14 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
 lsherida wrote:
1.)  This song sucks.
2.)  If love were a train.
 
So..."love" are plural?
Posted 14 years ago by scott_bruce    [ Reply ]

COOL LADY!!{#Fire}


Posted 14 years ago by buzmaggie    [ Reply ]
 sqqqrly wrote:
"Michelle Shocked" was a play on words intended to resemble the phrase "shell shocked."  



You don't say.  Never would have figured that out.
Posted 14 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 wenatchee wrote:
 . . . If I was a train "I'd bring'r into the station" . . .   ;-)
 

like bringing the fishboat to the cannery?
the log to the beaver?

(Grumpy Old Men)
Posted 14 years ago by Tagish_girl    [ Reply ]
1.)  This song sucks.
2.)  If love were a train.
Posted 14 years ago by lsherida    [ Reply ]
 . . . If I was a train "I'd bring'r into the station" . . .   ;-)
Posted 14 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by LastChance    [ Reply ]
"Further on up the road . . . "
Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I just realized while listening to this song that I know another of her songs - V.F.D. - from a mixed CD one of my professors gave me for college graduation.  Didn't realize who it was by.  Fantastic!  Love the style and the voice.
Posted 15 years ago by osbyec    [ Reply ]
 . . . ain't it fun!   :-)
Posted 15 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
E_A_D_G wrote:
Good stuff. Walking bass line 101. Class dismissed.
 

I love the "walking bass line" too, but isn't it essentiually the same as "when I grow up"?

Posted 15 years ago by glydev    [ Reply ]

 

excellent quality and performance of the musicians of the band support (14 elements include Michelle) and the personal register technician (8 elements);

a word of prominence for what it represents the content of the songs and attitude of Ms. Karen Michelle Johnston.

** 7  / 8 **




Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I saw her last night @ NightFall in Miller Plaza       awesome show ,,,,great human-being

Posted 15 years ago by chefatomic    [ Reply ]
infinity wrote:
dumb pseudonym, not that great of a blues singer... 6. Otherwise nice song minus the vocals.
The singer's name dates back to the one she gave when arrested in 1984 at a protest called "The War Chest Tour" during the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, California. The demonstration challenged the practice of U.S. corporations giving campaign contributions to both Democratic and Republican parties, thus benefiting from political favors regardless of which party is elected. "Michelle Shocked" was a play on words intended to resemble the phrase "shell shocked." The front cover of one of her best-known albums, Short Sharp Shocked, shows her restrained by the chokehold of a San Francisco policeman in a front-page photograph published by the San Francisco Examiner the following day.
Posted 15 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
Michelle rocks!
Posted 16 years ago by ulibcn    [ Reply ]
i had a chance to dance with her at antoines in austin and i was too shy !! aaaaaaah garble
Posted 16 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
Michelle Shocked is forever interesting and often is a funny story teller. Awesome live! Everything I have from here on my ipod gets played and played, new and older stuff
Posted 16 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
dumb pseudonym, not that great of a blues singer... 6. Otherwise nice song minus the vocals.
Posted 16 years ago by infinity    [ Reply ]
MICHELLE SHOCKED FOR PRESIDENT
Posted 16 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
pescivendolo wrote:
"...and it's in that context that the recent decision to raise the internet broadcasting rates is seen as an encouragement to creativity and independence."
I've heard music on RP that I otherwise never would have heard. I've purchased music that I was introduced to by RP. If sites like RP start going away, these smaller artists are going to suffer.
Posted 16 years ago by strawtarget    [ Reply ]
I need a train ticket, please
Posted 16 years ago by paganpete    [ Reply ]
Good stuff. Walking bass line 101. Class dismissed.
Posted 16 years ago by E_A_D_G    [ Reply ]
ThePoose wrote:
You should: she's from east Texas!
Thanks...I did not know that. Looked her up and realized she did get started just north of here.
Posted 17 years ago by redtex    [ Reply ]
How disappointing. (click here) Apparently Michelle thinks the internet radio broadcasters are all living like fat cats with their beach houses and their Navigators, sipping on champagne and lighting cigarettes with $100 bills.
Posted 17 years ago by pescivendolo    [ Reply ]
One of the best albums EVER. From 'Anchorage' to 'VFD' she pushed 'folk singer-songwriter' into new territory. The secret cut 'Fogtown' with MDC defies every convention. I never get tired of Ms. Shocked. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Great song. I like Michelle Shocked but I find it just a little harder to enjoy her music now that she's come out in favor of the RIAA's attempt to silence web radio.
Posted 17 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Blah. If love was a Michelle Shocked song, I would stick sharp pencils in my eardrums...
Posted 17 years ago by Ixion    [ Reply ]
dixiedeb wrote:
Yeah!
Posted 17 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Bonnie Raitt. Good stuff.
Posted 17 years ago by pescivendolo    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
redtex wrote:
We guys dig her in Texas too!
You should: she's from east Texas!
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
We guys dig her in Texas too!
Posted 17 years ago by redtex    [ Reply ]
This would be a 10 -- if only she had used the subjunctive.
Posted 17 years ago by stinkycheese    [ Reply ]
Yeah!
Posted 17 years ago by dixiedeb    [ Reply ]
Saw her first at the Cambridge Folk Festival 20+ years ago. Saw her last in Bristol last year. Still fantastic live. Still living her own complicated way and playing the music she wants. What more can a musician do?
Posted 17 years ago by sadsack    [ Reply ]
More More More MS - This must be good as this genre is not my fav!!
Posted 17 years ago by Pablo13    [ Reply ]
This song is fun.
Posted 17 years ago by mbop    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
Im an east coast guy (NH) and I have loved her for years.
Posted 17 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
Me a guy and I have loved Michelle Shocked for a long, long time. This isn't my favorite song by her and it isn't really an example of her very best work. You have to be able to appreciate her style, but try Memories of East Texas and Anchorage to get a better idea. And this is her early stuff...she only got better really. An outstanding live performer as well. Oh and by the way she's hardly only a West Coast phenomenon...'Chel has rabid fans worldwide, no joke.
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by savoyard    [ Reply ]
I just love these lyrics, and the way she puts them over.
Posted 17 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
need i remind you that we are living in the common era.
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
this track would sound great segue-ing into shivaree's 'i close my eyes', don't you think, bill?
Posted 18 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
One of my favourites from a great album! Oh yeah, and i'm a guy too.
Posted 18 years ago by Leaf13    [ Reply ]
F-Man wrote:
Like this run - Joe Ely's "Boxcars" to Michelle Shocked's "If Love Was a Train". . . .
. . . or "The L&N Don't Run By Here No More." RP's just rolling like a freight train today!
Posted 18 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
There's more significance to this following Joe Ely's "Boxcars" than just the train theme. Michelle Shocked actually lived the hobo lifestyle for a while, although I don't know if it was out of necessity or just "research."
Posted 18 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
Yes...More Michelle Shocked is always a good thing. And no, I had never heard of her till I lived on the West Coast. Now that I'm back East I plan to spread the word.
Posted 18 years ago by courtney    [ Reply ]
Just waiting 4 this BORING song to finish.................
Posted 18 years ago by cornbe    [ Reply ]
Mudbog wrote:
This woman can sing. Saw her in SLC - very good performer - TONS of energy. Seems my siblings back east have never heard of her - is she only well know out west?
I thought this was the Pretenders at first. I've heard of Michelle, but never paid much attention to her. Maybe I'll have to do a little investigating.
Posted 18 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
This woman can sing. Saw her in SLC - very good performer - TONS of energy. Seems my siblings back east have never heard of her - is she only well know out west?
Posted 19 years ago by Mudbog    [ Reply ]
Like this run - Joe Ely's "Boxcars" to Michelle Shocked's "If Love Was a Train". I was hoping maybe Old 97s "West Texas Teardrops" would be next.
Posted 19 years ago by F-Man    [ Reply ]
The tempo changes near the end of this song are great.
Posted 19 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
bluedot wrote:
hey, i like this. didn't know michelle shocked did blues.
yeah, I was starting wonder why my stream didn't correspond with the playlist
Posted 19 years ago by MisterVErb    [ Reply ]
Sweet!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
hey, i like this. didn't know michelle shocked did blues.
Posted 19 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
i am a guy, and am not too particularly fond of ms. shocked, but actually kind of dig this song, maybe i will give her another chance
Posted 19 years ago by JohnMac    [ Reply ]
Good to catch this here, always did like MS's sound. A 9.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
This is a terrific tune, and the album is GREAT! Some sa-weeeet guitar on it from Pete Anderson . . . .
Posted 19 years ago by dango    [ Reply ]
Thistle wrote:
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
I'm a guy and I like this song/album alot. Just the fact that you ask the question suggests that you have some issues.
Posted 19 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
I'm a guy. I like it.
Posted 19 years ago by BigPete    [ Reply ]
Groannnnn... Have any GUYS commented about this singer at ALL? Tepid at best.
Posted 19 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
II've got both albums. What happened to Michelle, were'd she go?
Posted 19 years ago by ubastard    [ Reply ]
great song. gets me groooooovin
Posted 21 years ago by Drunkenlilacwine    [ Reply ]
This was the first song I ever heard from Michelle. It certainly grabbed my attention! She is a wonderful songwriter and performer.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
Love this song and the disc it comes from--great songs and excellent performances throughout. And you have to admire the sly way her voice slides through songs, investing every lyric with lots of implication.
Posted 22 years ago by SwampYankee    [ Reply ]
if love was a train, i\'d throw MY body down on the tracks, too!
Posted 22 years ago by MissJenn    [ Reply ]