Yonder Comes a Train
Whistle of Longing: Love's Journey on the Tracks
Lyrics
A lonesome whistle sails through the pines
A distant train whistle is heard passing through the pine trees.
And finds me crying on my pillow
The sound of the train makes the speaker cry while lying on her pillow.
I wipe the tears and raise up my head
The speaker wipes away her tears and lifts her head, indicating a sense of resilience.
I hear a forest call up low
A metaphorical reference to the train resembling a forest call, possibly emphasizing nature's role in signaling change or departure.
Listen yonder comes a train
The speaker hears a train approaching.
Mama, is that the one he's on
The speaker asks her mother if this is the train her loved one is on, indicating anticipation and longing.
The only thing that keeps me goin' is
The speaker finds solace in the thought of her loved one returning, providing motivation to endure the separation.
Knowin' he's coming back home
Expressing hope and certainty that her loved one will come back home.
And yonder comes a train
Repetition of the anticipation and excitement about the approaching train.
I broke his heart and he got on a train
The speaker acknowledges causing heartbreak, leading her loved one to board a train.
And told me come back anytime
Her loved one leaves an open invitation for her to return whenever she wants.
Hope that I must have heard that old lonesome whistle
The speaker recalls the haunting sound of the train whistle, suggesting a constant reminder of the departure.
At least ten thousand times
Emphasizing the repetitive nature of the train whistle in her memories.
Listen yonder comes a train
Repetition of the anticipation and excitement about the approaching train.
Mama, is that the one he's on
Similar to line 7, the speaker seeks confirmation from her mother about the identity of the train.
The only thing that keeps me goin' is
Reiterating the source of the speaker's strength—the belief that her loved one will return home.
Knowin' he's coming back home
Restating the hope and assurance that her loved one is on the way back.
And yonder comes a train
Repetition of the anticipation and excitement about the approaching train.
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