This, in my opinion, is the best Neil Young song. Take a poignant story likely set in 19th century rural America, of a young adult left by his father temporarily to defend his family living on the river. Along comes the great threat of a white boat with men and guns. The young adult is unsure what to do, and it ends badly. Meanwhile, as this tragedy unfolds, Neil wails on the guitar like a banshee. But it fits so well, that dichotomy of a bad situation over 150 years ago set alongside the bands music (I can't define the music...rock and roll does not define it.). I've added the lyrics.
Look out, Mama, there's a white boat comin' 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
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 22, I was wonderin' what to do
And the closer they got, the more those feelings grew
Daddy's rifle in my hand felt reassurin'
He said, "Red meant run, numbers add up to nothin'"
When the first shot hit the docks, 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
Shelter me from the powder and the finger
Cover me with the thought that pulled the trigger
Just think of me as one you'd never figured
Would fade away so young, with so much left undone
Remember me to my love, I know I'll miss her
