About the song
“Can’t You See” is a powerful song that has resonated with listeners since it was first recorded by The Marshall Tucker Band in 1973. Written by the band’s lead guitarist, Toy Caldwell, the song was featured on their debut album, *The Marshall Tucker Band*, and released as its first single. From its inception, “Can’t You See” stood out, with its unique blend of country rock and Southern rock, a musical style that the band became known for.
The original recording of “Can’t You See” is particularly memorable for its distinctive flute introduction and closing, performed by Jerry Eubanks. This touch gave the song an ethereal quality that set it apart from other Southern rock tracks of the time. The lyrics, however, tell a different story—one of heartache and deep emotional turmoil. The song’s narrative reflects the pain of a man who is running as far as he can in an attempt to heal from his suffering. This blend of haunting melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, making “Can’t You See” one of The Marshall Tucker Band’s signature songs.
Over the years, “Can’t You See” has been covered by several artists, each bringing their own flavor to the song while preserving its core emotion. Notably, country music legend Waylon Jennings included his rendition on his 1976 album *Are You Ready for the Country*. Jennings’ version was well-received, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and even reaching number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. This version further solidified the song’s place in the country music canon.
In 1977, The Marshall Tucker Band released a live version of “Can’t You See,” recorded at the Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This live performance was included as the final track on their album *Searchin’ for a Rainbow*. The live rendition captures the raw energy of the band and highlights their distinctive guitar and flute sounds, as noted by Cash Box magazine. The song’s live appeal added another layer to its legacy, showcasing the band’s ability to connect with audiences in a live setting.
The enduring appeal of “Can’t You See” lies in its universal themes of heartache and the search for solace. The song’s blend of musicality and emotion has allowed it to transcend genres and generations, making it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by both artists and fans alike.
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Lyrics
Gonna catch a freight train as far as I can Lord
I don’t care which way it goes
Gonna climb a mountain, the highest mountain Lord
Jump off ain’t nobody gonna knowCan’t you see, oh can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me?Gonna buy a ticket go as far as I can Lord
I ain’t never coming back
Take me a southbound all the way down Lord
Till the train run out of trackCan’t you see, oh can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me?Can’t you see, oh can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me
Can’t you see, can’t you see
What that woman’s been doin’ to me?