THE GALAXY EXPRESS 999
ゴダイゴ Lyrics

The lyrics to ゴダイゴ's song 銀河鉄道999 (Galaxy Express 999) speak to the idea of leaving the past behind and embracing a new adventure. The first verse encourages the listener to "raise their face" and cleanse their heart with a new wind, leaving behind old dreams in order to begin anew. The second verse acknowledges that the journey ahead may be more exhilarating than a life of ease and comfort, as the eyes that disappear on the horizon are bathed in the light of a man who represents a shining symbol of love and farewell. The chorus then repeats the phrase "The Galaxy Express 999 will take you on a never ending journey to the stars," reminding the listener of the vast possibilities that await them on this adventure.

The song draws its inspiration from the science fiction manga and anime series of the same name, which tells the story of a young boy named Tetsuro who hitches a ride on a space-faring train to achieve eternal life and enact revenge against those who killed his mother. The series deals with themes of love, loss, and the cost of immortality. The song serves as the opening theme for the series and became very popular both in Japan and abroad. Interestingly, the lyrics were changed slightly when the song was translated for a French version, with the "Galaxy Express 999" line changed to "Train de l'Espace," or "Space Train."