End Of The Line by The Traveling Wilburys

Album: Volume One (1988)

Charted: 52 63

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The Traveling Wilburys were a supergroup made up of Jeff Lynne (ELO), Tom Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan. This song contains the folksy wisdom that comes from their experiences. It has a railroad theme, as the "end of the line" represents the train's last stop. Fittingly, it was the last song on their debut album, Volume One. >>
Suggestion credit:
Alan - Singapore, Singapore
The song is credited to all five group members, but George Harrison came up with the idea, including the main chord sequence - it certainly bears resemblance to his Beatles and solo output. Harrison takes the first verse, followed by Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Tom Petty gets the lead on the chorus.
Nine of the 10 songs on the Volume One album, including "End Of The Line," were recorded in a 10-day span when the group had to write and record almost a song a day. Dave Stewart of Eurythmics let them use his Los Angeles house and attached studio for these sessions, which were extremely productive and a lot of fun.

The song they didn't record there is "Handle With Care," which they made about a month earlier at Bob Dylan's home studio for George Harrison to release as a B-side. That song was so good, and the experience so pleasant, that they decided to form a band. "Handle With Care" was the first single, with "End Of The Line" released next. Both songs got a lot of airplay on a variety of formats and helped the album sell over 3 million copies in America.
"End Of The Line" became a eulogy of sorts for Roy Orbison, who died on December 6, 1988, just six weeks after the album was released. His work in the Traveling Wilburys brought him back to the fore after many years of obscurity. Orbison was one of the biggest stars of the '60s, but his '70s albums had little impact, and by the '80s he was struggling to fill small theaters. Before his death, he completed a comeback album with his fellow Wilburys called Mystery Girl, which was released on January 31, 1989, just as "End Of The Line" was climbing the charts. The album did very well, selling over a million copies in America and a lot more worldwide. The single "You Got It" landed at #9 in the US in April 1989, giving him his first Top 10 hit since "(Oh) Pretty Woman" in 1964.
The music video was directed by Willy Smax, who had previously worked with George Harrison on his "Got My Mind Set On You" video. It takes place, fittingly, on a train where the band is performing in a boxcar. Roy Orbison died before the video was made, so when his verse comes we see his photo and his guitar on a rocking chair.

It was kind of amazing that Harrison, Petty, Lynne and Dylan were able to get together for a music video months after the album was released. They were all busy with other projects but really enjoyed each other's company, so when the album exceeded expectations, they made time to make another video. The drummer on the train is Jim Keltner, the stalwart session player they used on the album. He's credited as "Buster Sidebury."

Comments: 10

Mafunzalo from ColoradoI listen to it over and over. Every time I do, pickup something new.
Jim Bob from Austin, TxI’m 72 and my two best friends recently died. They came to the end of the line. The song gave me solace and a sense of how to live the rest of my life. I have listened to it over and over.
Danno from IllinoisWhere was the album art pic taken? Looks like the train station in Lincoln illinois
AnonymousWell, which one of em wrote the song!
Tom took all the verses my guts he did really wanna know who wrote what’s maybe the best song ever made.
Paul Hightower from Albany, OregonCould this song be about the artists know they are older and on their way to their death or end of the line?
Bobby Todaro from Holbrook, NyI always looked upon 'End Of The Line' not as a railroad terminus, but as a metaphor for Life. Not everybody rides a train, but we all eventually reach the 'end of the line,' so live your life the best you can!
Neel from IndiaPurple Haze? Hendrix reference?
Joe from Grants Pass, OrWhy does no one mention Ringo or Jeff Lynne on drums ??
Ken from Louisville, KyThe drummer, seen in the video, is Jim Keltner, a well known 70's and 80's drummer who worked with George, John and Ringo (and many many others). He's listed as a Wilbury "cousin".
Jfv from Philadelphia, PaEvery member except Dylan shares lead vocals on the song. Chorus 1 = Harrison, all 3 verses = Petty, Chorus 2 = Lynne, Chorus 3 = Orbison, Chorus 4 = Harrison, Chorus 5 = Lynne. The fade out has the various members shouting and clowning. It's refreshing to hear 4 different lead voices on a song, all of which are distinctly recognizable.

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