No. 8 Train
Journey of the No. 8 Train: Steel, Whistles, and the Cry of the Plains
Lyrics
Well you can hear the winds are blowing way out on the plains
Reference to the winds blowing on the plains, setting a scene of openness and nature.
And you can hear the whistle blowing on the ole number 8 freight train
Highlighting the sound of the whistle on the number 8 freight train, emphasizing its presence.
All this metal Lord was meant to drive man insane
Suggesting that the industrial, metallic nature of the train was designed to drive people insane.
You can ride it high or baby you can ride it low
Options for riding the train either high or low, metaphorical for life's journey choices.
Pushin 40 tons of something with nothin but a chunk of coal
Describing the train's capability to move a heavy load with just a chunk of coal.
And the engine screams louder than the old timey rock and roll
Comparing the engine's noise to the loudness of old-time rock and roll.
You can't stop this engine it was built by man
Asserting that the train, once in motion, cannot be easily stopped, emphasizing human achievement.
It's the fastest hunk of steel movin throughout all the land.
Declaring the train as the fastest steel machine across the land.
It's faster than my guitar picking in my bluegrass band
Humorous comparison of the train's speed to the musician's fast guitar picking in a bluegrass band.
Well you can hear the winds a blowing way out on the plains
Repetition of the winds blowing on the plains, reinforcing the natural setting.
And you can hear the whistle blowing on the ol number 8 freight train
Reiteration of the whistle on the number 8 freight train, emphasizing its significance.
All this metal lord will surely drive a man insane
Repeating the idea that the metal of the train has the potential to drive a person insane.
There's a box in the back that'd make Woody Guthrie proud
Highlighting a box in the train's back that symbolizes something that would make Woody Guthrie proud.
Max's harp plays a tune that is way too loud
Describing Max's harp playing a tune too loud, adding a musical element to the train's journey.
This land is your land echoed through the crowd
Referencing the famous song "This Land Is Your Land," suggesting a patriotic and shared experience.
Late at night I lay down and look at the sky
Describing a reflective moment at night, looking at the sky and feeling a sense of pride.
I'm too proud to listen so I just sit and cry
Expressing emotional reluctance to listen, leading to a state of crying.
Rye whiskey rye whiskey I wish I would die
Quoting "Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I wish I would die," possibly indicating a desire to escape or cope with emotions through alcohol.
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