Powderfinger" is a song written by Neil Young, first released on his 1979 album Rust Never Sleeps. Young recorded a solo version in 1975 to be released on Chrome Dreams.
The lyrics tell a story of a young man who attempts to protect his family from the approaching gunboat. Overcoming his initial in...
[Verse 1]
Look out, Mama, there's a white boat coming up the river
With a big red beacon and a flag and a man on the rail
I think you'd better call John
'Cause it don't look like they're here to deliver the mail
And it's less than a mile away
I hope they didn't come to stay
It's got numbers on the side and a gun
And it's makin' big waves
[Verse 2]
Daddy's gone, my brother's out huntin' in the mountains
Big John's been drinkin' since the river took Emmy Lou
So the powers that be left me here to do the thinkin'
And I just turned twenty-two
I was wonderin' what to do
The closer they got
The more those feelings grew
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 3]
Daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassurin'
He told me "Red means run, son, numbers add up to nothin'"
But when the first shot hit the dock I saw it comin'
Raised my rifle to my eye
Never stopped to wonder why
Then I saw black and my face splashed in the sky
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 4]
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger
Just think of me as one you never figured
Would fade away so young
With so much left undone
Remember me to my love
I know I'll miss her
Powderfinger was written by Neil Young.
Powderfinger was produced by David Briggs & Neil Young & Tim Mulligan.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse released Powderfinger on Fri Jun 22 1979.