The song "When Ole Goin' Gets A Goin'" by Ernest Tubb is a country ballad that explores the themes of heartbreak and moving on. The lyrics depict a narrator who finds himself in a bar in Oklahoma, waiting for a train to take him to Waxahachie. The mention of the railroad tracks symbolizes the journey of life and the narrator's desire to leave his current situation behind. The song suggests that when love goes wrong, there is no in-between - one must either laugh it off or cry it out. The narrator's lover has moved on, choosing a different path, and there is no hope for reconciliation. The line "And when ole goin' gets a goin' ole goin' ain't comin' back" emphasizes the finality of the situation and the impossibility of going back to how things were. The narrator uses alcohol as a way to cope with his heartbreak. When he drinks, he is able to find temporary solace and amusement, and it becomes easier for him to face the uncertain future. However, when he is sober, he realizes the bleakness of his situation. The mention of his "old shoes begging to scratch some gravel" suggests a desire for movement and escape, further emphasizing the idea of moving on. Overall, the song "When Ole Goin' Gets A Goin'" reflects on the pain of lost love and the need to accept and embrace change. It conveys a sense of longing, despair, and the struggle to find solace and hope in the midst of heartbreak. The lyrics serve as a reminder that once a relationship has ended, there is no going back, and one must learn to move forward and seek new beginnings.
