Lyrics
I came into Atlanta
I arrived in Atlanta
Dreamin' of Lorraine
Dreaming of Lorraine, a person or a place significant to the speaker
Came so tired of ridin'
Arrived tired after traveling across the Savanna plain
Cross the Savanna plain
The speaker is still sensing the motion of the wheels
Still feel the wheels a-rollin'
The sensation of the rolling wheels persists
Feel them just the same
The speaker feels the rolling wheels, possibly symbolizing a journey
Steel wheels still a-rollin'
Steel wheels are still rolling, emphasizing the ongoing journey
On a long night train
On a long night train, suggesting a prolonged and perhaps reflective journey
She met me at the station
A person (Lorraine) meets the speaker at the station and takes them to her room
Took me to her room
Describing the setting where the meeting takes place
Was a time of meeting
A time of meeting, possibly a significant encounter
Was a risin' moon
Reference to a rising moon, symbolizing a new beginning or a change
Angels set the table
Angels set the table, suggesting a divine or special atmosphere
With candles and beer
The setting includes candles and beer
Heard that midnight train moan
Hearing a distant midnight train, creating a sense of distance
Miles away from here
The train is miles away from the current location
Lay me down a pallet
Expressing a desire to rest on a pallet
Lay it soft and low
Requesting a soft and low place to rest
Lorraine, lay beside me
Asking Lorraine to lay beside the speaker
Sad I had to go
Expressing sadness about having to leave
Gypsy boy I traveled with
Introduction of a gypsy boy traveling with the speaker
Played his old guitar
The gypsy boy plays an old guitar
We watched that candle flicker
Watching a flickering candle with the gypsy boy
Like some low morning star
The candle is compared to a low morning star
But the time to part must always come
Recognizing the inevitability of parting
Time the bells must ring
Referring to the passage of time and the ringing of bells
Time for lovers to say goodnight
Highlighting the time for lovers to bid goodnight
I'll see you in my dreams
Expressing a hopeful outlook, anticipating seeing the person in dreams
Time to part must always come
Reiterating the inevitability of parting
Time when trade-winds sing
Emphasizing the role of time as trade-winds sing
Time to hit the road again
Acknowledging the necessity to hit the road again
Time for travelin'
Summarizing the theme of the song - it's time for traveling
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