"Hear My Train A Comin'" | |
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Depiction of Hendrix performing "Hear My Train A Comin'" used on album cover
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Single by Jimi Hendrix | |
from the album Soundtrack Recordings from the Film Jimi Hendrix | |
B-side | "Rock Me Baby" |
Released | August 1973 | (UK)
Format | 7-inch 45 rpm record |
Recorded | Bruce Fleming Photo Studio, London, December 19, 1967 |
Genre | Blues |
Length | 3:05 |
Label | Reprise (no. K 14286) |
Writer(s) | Jimi Hendrix |
ISWC | T-070.264.177-7 |
"Hear My Train A Comin'" (alternatively titled "Get My Heart Back Together") is a blues-inspired song written by Jimi Hendrix. It has been called "a powerful blues prayer based on the salvation-train metaphor" of American folklore by biographer John McDermott. Hendrix recorded the song in live, studio, and impromptu settings several times between 1967 and 1970, but never completed it to his satisfaction.
The documentary film Experience (1968) features the only version released during Hendrix's lifetime. Hendrix played the song solo as an acoustic guitar country-style blues and it is considered one of his most memorable performances. In 1973, it was included in the film Jimi Hendrix and the accompanying soundtrack album. The song was also released as a single in the UK.
Hendrix often played "Hear My Train A Comin'" in concert using a blues rock arrangement with accompaniment. He developed it into an extended improvisational guitar piece comparable to "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)". There are several live performances in release; according to music critics, the 1970 recording from the Berkeley Community Theatre is considered the definitive version. Recent Hendrix compilation albums, such as People, Hell and Angels and the Miami Pop Festival, include additional studio demo versions along with other live recordings.
"Hear My Train A Comin'" is one of several blues-oriented songs that were in Hendrix's repertoire throughout his career. One of his earliest recordings with the Experience was his composition "Red House", a blues song inspired by Albert King, which is included on the 1967 UK Are You Experienced debut album. In their early years, the Experience adapted and frequently performed other blues songs, including Howlin' Wolf's "Killing Floor", B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby", Elmore James' "Bleeding Heart", and "Catfish Blues", a medley of songs by Muddy Waters. They also played Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" in 1967 with BBC Rhythm and Blues radio show host Alexis Korner accompanying the group on slide guitar.