Nine Hundred Miles
Journeying Home: Echoes of Longing in 'Nine Hundred Miles'
Lyrics
I’m just walking down that track
The singer is walking along a track or path.
I’ve got tears in my eyes
The singer is emotional and crying.
Tryin’ to read this letter from my home
Trying to read a letter from their home.
And if this train runs me right
If the train takes the singer in the right direction.
I’ll be home tomorrow night
The singer hopes to arrive home the following night.
‘Cause I’m nine hundred miles from my home
The singer is far away, specifically 900 miles from home.
And I hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow
The sound of the train whistle makes the singer feel lonely and sad.
Away… Away… Away…
Repetition of the word "Away" possibly emphasizes the feeling of distance or being far away.
Now this here train that I’m on
The train the singer is on consists of nine coaches or cars.
Nine coaches long
Reiteration of the length of the train.
Hear that whistle blowing many a mile
Hearing the train whistle over a long distance.
And if this train runs me right
If the train takes the singer in the right direction.
I’ll be home tomorrow night
The hope of reaching home by the next night persists.
‘Cause I’m nine hundred miles from my home
Continuing to emphasize the singer's distance from home.
And I hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow
The train's whistle adds to the singer's feelings of loneliness and sorrow.
Now I’ll pawn you my watch
The singer is willing to pawn their watch.
I’ll pawn you my chain
Willingness to pawn their chain.
Pawn you my diamond golden ring
Ready to pawn their valuable diamond golden ring.
And if this train runs me right
If the train takes the singer in the right direction.
I’ll be home tomorrow night
Hopeful of returning home by the following night.
‘Cause I’m nine hundred miles from my home
Emphasizing the singer's distance from home again.
And I hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow
The train's whistle intensifies the singer's feelings of loneliness.
Hate to hear… hate to hear… I hate to hear…
Strongly dislikes the sound of the lonesome whistle, repeating the sentiment.
Hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow…
Reiteration of the singer's disdain for the sound of the train whistle.
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