Definitely not the usual way to start an album, but by this time we were doing things our own way, and not for booming record sales. The song was written as is (long intro and all), but the decision to put it at the beginning of the album came later. We weren't concerned. If anything, 'Rail' has a definite vibe of The Cure, one of our favorite bands growing up (except Jesse). 'Rail' still remains as one of my very favorite songs.
This was a difficult song lyrically. I struggled for some time with the chorus. Not writing it, mind you, just accepting that it was "ok" to sing that. At this point, all of us except for Jesse were married. When you get married (or engaged) it often throws you for a loop... and this song shows some of that. The first few lines (Jesus tie these hands...) speak of the wrong decisions that I had made in my previous relationships. Relationships that should never have been. I ended up hurting a lot of people, including myself. And, although this song focuses on that struggle, it really speaks to our lives in general when we don't heed the Word of God.
Jesus tie these hands
I used to think
that every thing I touched
turned gold
but it don't
it turns cold
and reason guides this man
like spring, and fall
and wind to sand
I sway, I sway,
I cannot stand
what do I do,
when it seems I relate to Judas
more than You
and I can't ever
I can't ever
see the end...
Jesus help me see
it's not about consequence
it's peace
and I won't seek
on my own knees
and grace is over me
It's true I feel, I know it's real
but will I live
what I believe