About the song
“One Toke Over the Line” is a classic hit by the American folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley, released in 1970. Known for their harmonious blend of acoustic guitar and introspective lyrics, the duo, consisting of Mike Brewer and Tom Shipley, achieved considerable success with this track. The song was a standout single from their album *Tarkio*, which was named after a small town in Montana where the duo had spent some time.
“One Toke Over the Line” features a distinctive folk-rock sound, with its catchy melody and engaging lyrics that touch on themes of rebellion and youthful experimentation. The song’s title, while hinting at the counterculture of the time, has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a commentary on the experience of being slightly beyond the limits of conventional behavior, while others view it as a playful nod to the marijuana culture prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s.
The track gained significant attention and popularity, climbing to number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was praised for its memorable chorus and smooth harmonies, which showcased Brewer & Shipley’s knack for blending folk and rock elements. The song also featured a notable performance by guest musician, the talented pedal steel guitarist, Michael Clarke, whose contributions added a layer of depth to the track’s sound.
The success of “One Toke Over the Line” helped cement Brewer & Shipley’s place in the folk-rock genre, and it remains one of their most recognized and enduring songs. Its catchy tune and thoughtful lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, making it a lasting favorite among fans of classic rock and folk music.
The song’s cultural impact extends beyond its initial success, having been covered and referenced by various artists over the years. It has become an emblematic piece of the era, capturing the spirit of the time with its blend of earnestness and light-heartedness. Brewer & Shipley’s “One Toke Over the Line” remains a cherished example of early 1970s folk-rock, celebrated for its engaging melody and insightful lyrics.
Video
Lyrics
One toke over the line, sweet Jesus
One toke over the line
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
Waiting for the train that goes home, sweet Mary
Hoping that the train is on time
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
Who do you love? I hope it’s me
I’ve been changing, as you can plainly see
I felt the joy and I learned about the pain
That my momma said
If I should choose to make a part of me
Would surely strike me dead
And now I’m one toke over the line, sweet Jesus
One toke over the line
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
Waiting for the train that goes home, sweet Mary
Hoping that the train is on time
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
I sail away a country mile
And now I’m returning and showing off my smile
I met all the girls and I loved myself a few
And to my surprise
Like everything else I’ve been through
It opened up my eyes
And now I’m one toke over the line, sweet Jesus
One toke over the line
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
Don’t you know I’m just waiting for the train that goes home, sweet Mary
Hoping that the train is on time
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over the line
Don’t you know I’m just waiting for the train that goes home, sweet Mary
Hoping that the train is on time
(Sitting downtown) Sitting in a railway station
One toke over the line
I want to be one toke over the line, sweet Jesus
One toke over the line
(Sitting downtown) Sitting in a railway station
One toke over the line
Waiting for the train that goes home
Hoping that the train is on time
(Sitting downtown) Sitting in a railway station
One toke over the line
Sitting downtown in a railway station
One toke over line
One toke, one toke over the line