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Neil Young — Thrasher
Album: Rust Never Sleeps
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 445









Released: 1979
Length: 5:30
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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They were hiding behind hay bales,
They were planting in the full moon
They had given all they had for something new
But the light of day was on them,
They could see the thrashers coming
And the water shone like diamonds in the dew.

And I was just getting up, hit the road before it's light
Trying to catch an hour on the sun
When I saw those thrashers rolling by,
Looking more than two lanes wide
I was feelin' like my day had just begun.

Where the eagle glides descending
There's an ancient river bending
Through the timeless gorge of changes
Where sleeplessness awaits
I searched out my companions,
Who were lost in crystal canyons
When the aimless blade of science
Slashed the pearly gates.

It was then I knew I'd had enough,
Burned my credit card for fuel
Headed out to where the pavement turns to sand
With a one-way ticket to the land of truth
And my suitcase in my hand
How I lost my friends I still don't understand.

They had the best selection,
They were poisoned with protection
There was nothing that they needed,
Nothing left to find
They were lost in rock formations
Or became park bench mutations
On the sidewalks and in the stations
They were waiting, waiting.

So I got bored and left them there,
They were just deadweight to me
Better down the road without that load
Brings back the time when I was eight or nine
I was watchin' my mama's T.V.,
It was that great Grand Canyon rescue episode.

Where the vulture glides descending
On an asphalt highway bending
Thru libraries and museums, galaxies and stars
Down the windy halls of friendship
To the rose clipped by the bullwhip
The motel of lost companions
Waits with heated pool and bar.

But me I'm not stopping there,
Got my own row left to hoe
Just another line in the field of time
When the thrasher comes, I'll be stuck in the sun
Like the dinosaurs in shrines
But I'll know the time has come
To give what's mine.
Comments (83)add comment
Sorry bud.  I'm pretty sure your gonna have to sit through Neil Young a lot more times before you die.   Suck it up.

  rdo wrote:

{#Stupid}  If I have to hear one more rambling cry-me-a-river dirge from this guy, I swear, it's razor blades for me...{#Arghhh}

 


Posted 12 years ago by cmarcan    [ Reply ]

{#Stupid}  If I have to hear one more rambling cry-me-a-river dirge from this guy, I swear, it's razor blades for me...{#Arghhh}


Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I hate Neil Young's voice when he does solos —- but I really like THIS song.
Posted 12 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

Here - read the lyrics. And to sort of (not) answer your question:  They're gorgeous lyrics, but they could apply to farmers losing their farms, friends losing their hope, people caving in to the rhetoric and babble that means nothing...

Could be anything. I'd bet, though, that those thrashers are symbolic of destruction. VERY deep lyrics. Thanks for asking - perhaps others will weigh in on this song...
 
Cynaera, if it's true, what romeo says, that you have left us, I too will miss you and your thoughtful posts.


Posted 12 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 ozzie1313 wrote:

One of my favorite albums - top 5.  I was in the depths of my pathetic, romanticized, misanthropic alcholism and drug addiction when this came out.  This album was my anthem.  Just like Petty's Wildflowers was about me when I got divorced in 95 and went from MA to OR. 

 

Love the personal associations. Cool that you can listen even now and it doesn't necessarily bring you back to those dark places, but hits a familiar sentimental place just the same.

I have similar associations/feelings with music, and I totally get that. {#Meditate}
Posted 12 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
I doubt the thrashers are symbols of destruction.  But otherwise I really don't understand the gist of the lyrics.
Posted 12 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 BKardon wrote:
Anyone know what this song is written about?
 
Here - read the lyrics. And to sort of (not) answer your question:  They're gorgeous lyrics, but they could apply to farmers losing their farms, friends losing their hope, people caving in to the rhetoric and babble that means nothing...

Could be anything. I'd bet, though, that those thrashers are symbolic of destruction. VERY deep lyrics. Thanks for asking - perhaps others will weigh in on this song...


THRASHER by Neil Young
————
They were hiding behind hay bales,
They were planting in the full moon
They had given all they had for something new
But the light of day was on them,
They could see the thrashers coming
And the water shone like diamonds in the dew.

And I was just getting up, hit the road before it's light
Trying to catch an hour on the sun
When I saw those thrashers rolling by,
Looking more than two lanes wide
I was feelin' like my day had just begun.

Where the eagle glides ascending
There's an ancient river bending
Down the timeless gorge of changes
Where sleeplessness awaits
I searched out my companions,
Who were lost in crystal canyons
When the aimless blade of science
Slashed the pearly gates.

It was then I knew I'd had enough,
Burned my credit card for fuel
Headed out to where the pavement turns to sand
With a one-way ticket to the land of truth
And my suitcase in my hand
How I lost my friends I still don't understand.

They had the best selection,
They were poisoned with protection
There was nothing that they needed,
Nothing left to find
They were lost in rock formations
Or became park bench mutations
On the sidewalks and in the stations
They were waiting, waiting.

So I got bored and left them there,
They were just deadweight to me
Better down the road without that load
Brings back the time when I was eight or nine
I was watchin' my mama's T.V.,
It was that great Grand Canyon rescue episode.

Where the vulture glides descending
On an asphalt highway bending
Thru libraries and museums, galaxies and stars
Down the windy halls of friendship
To the rose clipped by the bullwhip
The motel of lost companions
Waits with heated pool and bar.

But me I'm not stopping there,
Got my own row left to hoe
Just another line in the field of time
When the thrasher comes, I'll be stuck in the sun
Like the dinosaurs in shrines
But I'll know the time has come
To give what's mine.



Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]

One of my favorite albums - top 5.  I was in the depths of my pathetic, romanticized, misanthropic alcholism and drug addiction when this came out.  This album was my anthem.  Just like Petty's Wildflowers was about me when I got divorced in 95 and went from MA to OR. 


Posted 13 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
YES!

{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
Anyone know what this song is written about?
Posted 13 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
 Stranglersfan wrote:
one of my fav NY tracks
 
Yes, very nice tune!

Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
one of my fav NY tracks
Posted 13 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
 rcurrier wrote:

Neil would never stoop so low as to have Ewoks as roadies.

They were Jawas.
 
 

Pardon me, you will?
yoda
Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 rcurrier wrote:

Neil would never stoop so low as to have Ewoks as roadies.

They were Jawas.
 
 
He referred to them as "road-eyes." 

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Perfect song but I'm a sucker for prairie imagery.
Posted 14 years ago by ABPainter    [ Reply ]
never before realized that john hiatt's "buffalo river home" has virtually the same chord progression.

Posted 14 years ago by lazylemming    [ Reply ]
 a_genuine_find wrote:
I believe it was on this tour that the Ewok's accompanied Mr. Young, no?
 
Neil would never stoop so low as to have Ewoks as roadies.

They were Jawas.
 
Posted 14 years ago by rcurrier    [ Reply ]
Bobby!   Cindy!    Cindy!   Bobby!

Posted 14 years ago by JGM    [ Reply ]
There's something magically magnetic about Neil Young. My eleven year old son, whose taste in music includes Kesha, Usher and Lady Ga Ga, watched Neil during the closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqZAkHajPZU&feature=related) and thought he was "awesome". He was still bringing it up a few days later. 

Neil is now attracting a third generation of fans.

(BTW, "Long May You Run" is an ode to a car.)


Posted 14 years ago by agkagk    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:

As much as any song that the man ever wrote, this has his inimitable mark of genius.  Beautiful song from an iconic album.  Neil at his best.

 

Agreed. I am amazed that anyone could think otherwise...
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:
Neil, you should have left this one on your table at home. Doesn't have the mark of your genius. {#Snooty}
 
More is the pity for you.{#Moon}

As much as any song that the man ever wrote, this has his inimitable mark of genius.  Beautiful song from an iconic album.  Neil at his best.

Posted 14 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Neil, you should have left this one on your table at home. Doesn't have the mark of your genius. {#Snooty}
Posted 14 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 HazzeSwede wrote:

  I'm sorry but I can not give my respect to some one hating Mr.Young, its like saying you hate the sun, that brings life to all of us ! {#Sunny}

 
HazzeSwede, you are my kinda people!  {#Cheers}
Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
I respect that there are many who hate Neil Young but he is just brilliant IMHO.  I feel like many of his songs are "absorbed" by my being, transcending the simple experience of "hearing."  {#Meditate}
 
  I'm sorry but I can not give my respect to some one hating Mr.Young, its like
  saying you hate the sun,that brings life to all of us ! {#Sunny}

Posted 14 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 Johnny-smooth wrote:
Neil and Bob Dylan are arguably the top male lyricists of our time - Period. 
 

Pity neither of them could carry a tune in a bucket then. Maybe if they shut up and stuck to the writing I would have more time for them.
Posted 14 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
 Johnny-smooth wrote:
Neil and Bob Dylan are arguably the top male lyricists of our time - Period. 
 
Wha?  No Leonard Cohen?


Posted 14 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
I believe it was on this tour that the Ewok's accompanied Mr. Young, no?
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Neil and Bob Dylan are arguably the top male lyricists of our time - Period. 
Posted 14 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
I respect that there are many who hate Neil Young but he is just brilliant IMHO.  I feel like many of his songs are "absorbed" by my being, transcending the simple experience of "hearing."  {#Meditate}
 
{#Notworthy}

Posted 14 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
 pauleywalnuts wrote:
When Neil played Massey Hall in Toronto a couple of years ago someone yelled out to play Thrasher. Neil responded he won't play it live anymore. He said "I just can't play that song live, I always mess it up so I don't try anymore". If you see the Live Rust movie he mangles one of the verses and then starts it over. It's cool that he left it in the movie version of RNS. Nobody's perfect but Neil is darn close! {#Cool}

 
I agree. I put this album on and just sing along to the whole thing. "Thrasher", "Pocahontas", "Powderfinger"... Hell, I love the whole thing! {#Wave}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
When Neil played Massey Hall in Toronto a couple of years ago someone yelled out to play Thrasher. Neil responded he won't play it live anymore. He said "I just can't play that song live, I always mess it up so I don't try anymore". If you see the Live Rust movie he mangles one of the verses and then starts it over. It's cool that he left it in the movie version of RNS. Nobody's perfect but Neil is darn close! {#Cool}

Posted 15 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
one thing neil does is paint well, what I don't think he ever does is try to be somebody else. 

can't wait to see what he tries next. Thanks Neil! 
Posted 15 years ago by Delawhere    [ Reply ]
I have not heard this song very many times, but I've always liked it. For some reason, hearing it here, now, it really strikes me deeply. The way 'Powderfinger' always does.

I went to the song meanings link and read a little bit, the interpretations make it all the more interesting. Somehow he takes something as trivial as the breakup of a band (albeit a legendary one) and turns it into a commentary on man's quest for truth. Or something like that. Whatever it is, it is magical.
Posted 15 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Neil at his best.  A 10/10 for me.
Posted 15 years ago by walchenbach    [ Reply ]
12 String acoustic bliss. {#Notworthy}
Posted 15 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
I respect that there are many who hate Neil Young but he is just brilliant IMHO.  I feel like many of his songs are "absorbed" by my being, transcending the simple experience of "hearing."  {#Meditate}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
I have never heard this song before - surprised by that.  AWESOME lyric.
Posted 15 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
 Bleyfusz wrote:

And still you forgot to mention the words.

 
Yes, you're right. I did. Neil's lyrics are, as always (for me) wonderful.

Posted 15 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
                       10      {#Exclaim}


Posted 15 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]
 papaman wrote:

I was about to comment on this very lyric as well.  Ironic in our current time.
 

same here, you gotta love this forum
Posted 15 years ago by elliotgoettelman    [ Reply ]
makes me stop, turn. stare and day dream.... if thats good, bad or indiferent dont care as i find my self in a place that i trust
Posted 15 years ago by ralphyboy    [ Reply ]
...neil young's not supposed to sing this well!..
Posted 15 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
 psg wrote:
"Burned my credit card for fuel". I'm itching to to a cross-country bicycle trip across Canada in the next few years, before I turn 50, and somehow that line resonates now more than ever before. My roommates and I wore the grooves out on this album during our university days.
 
I was about to comment on this very lyric as well.  Ironic in our current time.


Posted 15 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
 Narg wrote:
His parents should be held accountable for allowing him to pick up a guitar, let alone write anything!!!
 

Just checked your ratings & comments. I guess there's just no accounting for taste. Some people have it, some people get it & some people never do. Your loss. 

Posted 15 years ago by sharkey    [ Reply ]
 Bleyfusz wrote:
It is beyond any description how great this song is.

Just unreal.
 
{#Clap}

Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
It is beyond any description how great this song is.

Just unreal.
Posted 15 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}Brilliant, on many levels! {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 Narg wrote:
His parents should be held accountable for allowing him to pick up a guitar, let alone write anything!!!
 
or praised.  whatever.

Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
His parents should be held accountable for allowing him to pick up a guitar, let alone write anything!!!
Posted 15 years ago by Narg    [ Reply ]
 Agent510 wrote:
Just doesn't do anything for me. Sorry, but this one is a non-starter.
 
Agreed. Neil trying his best to be Dylan with his image-laden lyrics, but falling WAY short.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
KUDOS SHAKEY
Posted 15 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Nice road/adventure song.
Posted 15 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Amazing tune- always will be a favorite. Sounds excellent cranked. Thanks RP!!

Posted 15 years ago by tigerspy    [ Reply ]
what a beauty...
10
of course!

Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
rtrudeau wrote:
I'm astonished that song rates only a 7.6 with 100 ratings thus far. I almost forgot to breathe while listening. Magnificent.

we're up to 7.7 / 111 now. I'll give it a down-to-earth 9 to see what we'll get {#Sunny}
Posted 16 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:
Beautiful song. The strumming guitar, the harmonica, and YES Neil's voice. Perfect.
 
And still you forgot to mention the words.

Posted 16 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
rtrudeau wrote:
I'm astonished that song rates only a 7.6 with 100 ratings thus far. I almost forgot to breathe while listening. Magnificent.
...I get this strange pain in my heart listening to it. 10.
Posted 16 years ago by crushedvelvet    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song. The strumming guitar, the harmonica, and YES Neil's voice. Perfect.
Posted 16 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
I'm astonished that song rates only a 7.6 with 100 ratings thus far. I almost forgot to breathe while listening. Magnificent.
Posted 16 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
This is one of the first songs we play on a long road trip. It's usually eary in the morning, and out accross the plains; it just seems right.
Posted 16 years ago by ianema    [ Reply ]
another gem from Neil
Posted 16 years ago by MCKY    [ Reply ]
Tradman wrote:
Me neither. Too whiney. Maybe if I heard someone else singing it.
Come on, let's cut the crap with this "whiney" stuff. I sure don't hear ANY whining in this song.
Posted 16 years ago by Barman    [ Reply ]
Just seems like so much truth spoken in the lyrics. And we can't fault the imagery either! Oh, and I turn 50 this year. Yesterday, I looked at an old teardrop trailer to drag across the 'States on adventure and reflection. OK, song's over, back to work now.
Posted 16 years ago by ri_shelton    [ Reply ]
Tradman wrote:
Me neither. Too whiney. Maybe if I heard someone else singing it.
Talk about whiney... How 'bout Sheryl Crowe, vanilla enough?
Posted 16 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
Howling_Rabbit wrote:
Make that three boring songs in a row. What's going on there?
Not boring, just thoughtful. Seems Bill's catering to the cerebral crowd instead of the adrenaline crowd with this set.
Posted 16 years ago by rcurrier    [ Reply ]
One of his (the) best ever.
Posted 16 years ago by sfListener    [ Reply ]
Way to go RP. This is one of my favorite tunes of all time. "... the motel of lost companions waits with heated pool and bar ..." Thanks man , there's not much finer than that!
Posted 16 years ago by tigerspy    [ Reply ]
crankypage wrote:
More likely an old Western show - Neil wasn't watching his Mama's TV (as the line says) during the era when the Brady Bunch was broadcast. He was touring and recording!
What? That was a two-part cliffhanger show, therefore making the potential horror of it all twice as likely. It's a great song anyway even if Johnny Bravo doesn't get writing credit.
Posted 16 years ago by rascal420    [ Reply ]
"Burned my credit card for fuel". I'm itching to to a cross-country bicycle trip across Canada in the next few years, before I turn 50, and somehow that line resonates now more than ever before. My roommates and I wore the grooves out on this album during our university days.
Posted 17 years ago by psg    [ Reply ]
daveesh wrote:
does he REALLY reference a brady bunch episode when he refers to the "grand canyon episode?"
More likely an old Western show - Neil wasn't watching his Mama's TV (as the line says) during the era when the Brady Bunch was broadcast. He was touring and recording!
Posted 17 years ago by crankypage    [ Reply ]
Loonytunas wrote:
If he could only sing!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate Neil Young
Didn't your mom tell you not to hate? Neil rules!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 17 years ago by music_man    [ Reply ]
Tradman wrote:
Too whiney. Maybe if I heard someone else singing it.
The guitar playing makes up for it. Besides, what's Neil without his whine?
Posted 17 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
If he could only sing!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate Neil Young
Posted 17 years ago by Loonytunas    [ Reply ]
Agent510 wrote:
Just doesn't do anything for me. Sorry, but this one is a non-starter.
Me neither. Too whiney. Maybe if I heard someone else singing it.
Posted 17 years ago by Tradman    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorite albums. I loved this one. Haven't heard it in years. Thanks Bill. I agree - great road trip music.
Posted 17 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
sautner wrote:
I had to sign in and comment on this one - love it! I'm going on a roadtrip this weekend, and this album is on the list to bring.
Now that sounds like a great idea. This album and especially this song on an empty stretch of highway at night would be bliss. Even the lyric is perfect, "where the eagle glides, descending, there's an asphalt highway bending..."
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
does he REALLY reference a brady bunch episode when he refers to the "grand canyon episode?" i loved this album as a kid...
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Just doesn't do anything for me. Sorry, but this one is a non-starter.
Posted 17 years ago by Agent510    [ Reply ]
Oh Neil. You rock. So do you Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by baboo    [ Reply ]
Make that three boring songs in a row. What's going on there?
Posted 17 years ago by Howling_Rabbit    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in decades. Still is a favorite.
Posted 17 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
I had to sign in and comment on this one - love it! I'm going on a roadtrip this weekend, and this album is on the list to bring.
Posted 17 years ago by sautner    [ Reply ]
Sweet Jesus. There is very little that is more pleasureable to hear than this.
Posted 17 years ago by davidyoull    [ Reply ]