It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
Journey of Longing: Expressions Amidst Life's Trials
Lyrics
Well, I ride on a mailtrain
Describes the speaker's mode of transportation, suggesting a journey.
I can't buy no thrill
The speaker cannot find excitement or fulfillment.
I've been up all night
Indicates a period of wakefulness throughout the night.
Just leanin' on the windowsill
Symbolizes a state of contemplation or waiting.
Well, if I die
Contemplates mortality or a potential outcome of the situation.
On top of the hill
Metaphorical reference to a high point or a significant moment.
And if I don't make it
Expresses confidence in someone else's capability to handle things.
You know my baby will
Confidence in the partner's ability to manage if the speaker fails.
Well, don't the moon look good, mama
Appreciation for the beauty of the moon, addressed to a maternal figure.
Shinin' through the trees?
Highlighting the beauty of nature - moon shining through trees.
And don't the brakeman look good, mama
Admiration for the train conductor ("brakeman") performing duties.
Flagging down the Double E?
Specific reference to a train being flagged down (Double E is a train name).
And don't the sun look good
Appreciation for the beauty of the setting sun.
Settin' down over the sea?
Describes the beauty of the speaker's beloved.
And don't my good gal look fine
Anticipation of the winter season with windows covered in frost.
When she's comin' after me?
Difficulty in communicating or conveying a message to others.
Now wintertime is coming
Expression of desire for an intimate relationship rather than control.
The windows are covered in frost
Warning about potential consequences if advice is not heeded.
I went to tell everybody
Reiteration of lack of excitement or fulfillment in the speaker's life.
But I could not get it across
Restates the experience of sleepless nights and contemplation.
Well, I wanna be your lover, babe
Expresses a wish for a romantic relationship, not a dominant role.
I don't wanna be your boss
Forewarning of potential consequences for not heeding advice given.
Don't say I never warned you
Reiterates the speaker's mode of transportation and lack of excitement.
When your train gets lost
Repetition of staying awake and pondering by the windowsill.
Well, I ride on a mailtrain
Recalls the potential of mortality or significant moments in life.
I can't buy no thrill
Reiteration of the inability to find satisfaction or fulfillment.
Well, I've been up all night
Restates a period of sleeplessness and contemplation.
Just leanin' on a windowsill
Symbolic reflection on mortality or a pivotal moment.
Well, if I die
Repeats contemplation of mortality or a significant moment.
On top of the hill
Reassurance that if the speaker fails, someone else will succeed.
And if I don't make it
Reassurance that someone else will succeed if the speaker fails.
You know my baby will
Emphasis on someone else's potential success if the speaker fails.
Well, if I don't make it
Reiterates confidence in someone else's ability to handle things.
You know my baby will
Confidence in the partner's ability to manage if the speaker fails.
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