4 Non Blondes had a huge hit single in 1993 with "What's Up". A year later, DJ Miko remixed the track as a dance song, and it became a hit again, on radio and in clubs. The original version of the song overshadowed the groups' other work, with them being labeled as a 'one hit wonder', but they scored significant underground success, particularly with listeners drawn to their feminist political themes.
In 1995, 4 Non Blondes contributed the song "Misty Mountain Hop" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin. The group also covered Van Halen's "I'm The One" for the popular slacker comedy 'Airheads'. Linda Perry went solo in 1996, and the band disbanded after recording, but not releasing, their second album.
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4 Non Blondes Lyrics
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Find another to show you where to go
You'll be searchin' for that train and you'll see it's a train
What ya gonna do child when your mommy goes away?
She won't take you, she'll leave you astray
You'll be searchin' for that train and you see it's a train
But you know for sure it's that train
What are you gonna do child when you leave it all behind?
Find another, to blow it in your mind
You'll be searchin' for that train and you'll see it's a train
The lyrics of 4 Non Blondes' "Train" are a deep reflection on the struggles of life and the constant search for direction and purpose. The opening line, "What ya gonna do child when your thoughts are movin' slow?" can be seen as an expression of frustration with feeling directionless and unsure of one's path in life. The following lines offer a solution of sorts, suggesting that one should seek out someone who can guide them and show them where to go.
However, the lyrics take a darker turn in the second verse, as the singer reflects on the pain of abandonment and the feeling of being left behind. The lines, "What ya gonna do child when your mommy goes away? She won't take you, she'll leave you astray" speak to the pain of being rejected or abandoned by someone who should be there to love and support you. The phrase "searchin' for that train" takes on a more poignant meaning here – it becomes a symbol of escape, a way to leave the pain behind and start anew.
The lyrics seem to suggest that no matter what one does, they will always find themselves searching for something. Whether it's a person to guide them, a way to escape their pain, or simply a purpose in life, the search is a never-ending one. The repetition of the phrase "you'll see it's a train" underscores the idea that the search itself is sometimes more important than what one finds at the end of it.
Line by Line Meaning
What ya gonna do child when your thoughts are movin' slow?
What will you do when you feel stuck and unable to make decisions?
Find another to show you where to go
Look for someone or something that can guide you towards the right path
You'll be searchin' for that train and you'll see it's a train
You'll be searching for a solution and when you find it, it will be obvious
What ya gonna do child when your mommy goes away?
What will you do when you feel abandoned by someone you depend on?
She won't take you, she'll leave you astray
She won't take you with her and you'll feel lost without her guidance
And you see yourself searchin' for somebody else
You start looking for someone else to replace the person who left you
But you know for sure it's that train
But deep down, you know that you need to find your own way and not depend on anyone else
What are you gonna do child when you leave it all behind?
What will you do when you decide to leave everything familiar and start anew?
Find another, to blow it in your mind
Look for something new and exciting to give you inspiration and motivation
You'll be searchin' for that train and you'll see it's a train
You'll be searching for a solution and when you find it, it will be obvious
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LINDA PERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Julieta Azabache
What a great band. I go back to my childhood and their songs are the perfect soundtrack for those days of my life. Thank you guys. You kicked ass!
TheGendrick
I remember as kid being so captivated by both this song and the artwork that I used to have dreams about the train, I sure love the nostalgia I get from 4 non-blondes
RenéeSwance
So freaking powerful and amazing. Probably my favorite song except Morphine & Chocolate. I am sad we did not get more music from them.
Ariellyn
Yeah, I don't know why they didn't last but I wish they had. Linda Perry's voice and everything I ever heard from them was amazing!!
Ashley Nee
Yeah such an amazing album. Linda Perry has done quite well for herself since leaving 4 Non Blondes but this was the best music she ever produced. I know she has gone on to be a very successful songwriter for other great singers but she was best with 4 Non Blondes. Money aside she peaked as a musician when this album came out. Such a great band! It's too bad an ego robbed us of more great music and went to pop. 4 Non Blondes could've been the band of the 90's, along with Counting Crows, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soul Asylum, Nirvana, STP, Pearl Jam etc... Linda Perry was rewarded with social and economic gains by leaving and I don't fault her for that but her band made her not the other way around. She's a great singer but this band got screwed and we're left with wondering what could've been. It's sad how much she laments singing for 4 Non Blondes when the reality is that 4 Non Blondes helped make her famous. She peaked musically in 1994 and is still chasing the dollar sadly while ignoring those who made her famous. It's sad really...
Mark Requena
good picks!
Joel Wachbrit
Great track! That's my friend Judy Rudin just killing the harmonica here. She's amazing!
johnny nephrite
unfortunately no harmonica on the live version. its not the same without it.
Jennifer Liebo
Wow. Judy is amazing! It definitely is an important part ! My favorite part 🥰
Dnrothx
One of the most underrated songs ever.