Get On That Train
Journey to Freedom: Get On That Train
Lyrics
The suns still rising in the summer sky, but I’ll be sweating in this field till the day that I die
The speaker acknowledges the enduring nature of their labor under the sun, expressing a sense of resignation about working in the field until death.
They done tore my flesh down to my bones, took my brother right from our home
The speaker reflects on personal suffering, with mention of physical harm and the abduction of a family member.
And worked my poor little mama into the ground
A portrayal of the speaker's mother being overworked and possibly mistreated.
Moses said let my people go, but I ain’t seen nothing to give me hope, oh no
Referencing the biblical story of Moses, the speaker suggests a lack of hope for freedom despite the historical plea to "let my people go."
All of God’s children in a foreign land, Pharaoh ruling with an iron hand
Describes a situation where God's children are oppressed in a foreign land, drawing parallels to the biblical narrative with Pharaoh ruling oppressively.
And there ain’t no freedom that can be found
Conveys a sense of hopelessness, stating that no freedom is available in the current circumstances.
Did you ever hear that thunderin’ sound, did you ever hear that thunderin’ sound
Uses the metaphor of a thunderous sound to signify the imminent arrival of a train that will transport individuals to a different, possibly better, place.
Did you ever hear that thunderin’ sound, means the train is coming to take you home
-Did you ever hear that whistle blow, like a trumpet sound calling you to go
Compares the sound of a whistle to a trumpet, signaling a call to action or departure.
You ain’t gonna follow the river shore or set out underneath the drinking gourd
Mentions avoiding the conventional path along the river or following the North Star (drinking gourd) in favor of boarding a waiting chariot.
Your chariot awaits you better get on board
Emphasizes the urgency of boarding the mentioned chariot, possibly representing an opportunity for salvation or escape.
It was then I heard it clear as day, it was then I heard him callin’ my name
Recalls a moment of clarity where the speaker distinctly hears their name being called.
It was then I heard ol’ St. Peter callin’ my name, I’m gonna get on that train to the promised land
Refers to an encounter with St. Peter, a biblical figure associated with judgment, suggesting a journey to a promised land or spiritual destination.
Chorus
Chorus likely reinforces the themes of the speaker's longing for freedom and a transformative journey represented by the train.
Chorus
-2010 Bradford Loomis
Indicates the year of the composition by Bradford Loomis.
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