On the Train
Basement Jaxx Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

City got the best of me
Color so tight, and there's no air to breathe
Mama gave me dancing legs
Oh mama my, mama don't cry

Sure I got short-changed
Time I got my aim like "fuck cocaine"
Check out the boom zoom, I aim stead
I know you feel the same, I'm not alone

[Chorus: x2]
I'll be straight with you on the train
They'll never believe it now, we're on our way
I ain't goin' back again
I need it like a hole in my vein, a hole in my vein

God, he been testin' me
He'd been down, I just need a cool breeze
Papa gave me heart and soul
Oh papa I, papa I try

Here no one gives a damn
Time I got my swerve I'm a reborn man
I don't belong here, I ain't stayin'
I know you feel the same, you're not alone

[Chorus: x2]

I don't belong, I got nothing to prove
I'm on the train now, I'm making my move
I don't belong, I got nothing to prove
But I'm on the train now, I'm making my move

Get me on the train
Baby won't you get me on the train
Get me on the train
I gotta get out, gotta get out, gotta get out of here





I'm on the train, I'm on the train now

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Basement Jaxx's song "On the Train" tells the story of a person who feels like an outsider in the city. The city's fast-paced lifestyle and tight colors suffocate the singer, who yearns for freedom and a sense of belonging. The singer's parents seem to have instilled strength and resilience in him/her. The singer's use of the metaphor "hole in my vein" suggests a dependence or an addiction to something.


The lyrics showcase the character's determination to break free from the oppressive city life and start anew, perhaps in the countryside. The train symbolizes the means of escape, the hope of a better future that the character wishes for. The singer emphasizes that he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone and asserts his newfound confidence and independence.


In essence, "On the Train" is about finding one's place in life, overcoming challenges, and braving new horizons. The song inspires listeners to stay true to themselves, never give up on their dreams, and keep moving forward.


Line by Line Meaning

City got the best of me
The fast-paced urban lifestyle and culture have drained my energy and left me feeling overwhelmed


Color so tight, and there's no air to breathe
The city is so crowded and there is no room to move around, making it hard to breathe and relax


Mama gave me dancing legs
My mother instilled in me a love for dancing and movement, making it a passion and source of strength for me


Oh mama my, mama don't cry
I am grateful for my mother's love and support, and want to assure her that I am okay despite the challenges I face


Sure I got short-changed
I've been cheated or denied something that I deserved, such as equal opportunities


Time I got my aim like "fuck cocaine"
I need to focus on my goals and not get caught up in destructive habits like drug use


Check out the boom zoom, I aim stead
I am confident in my abilities and am moving forward with a steady determination


I know you feel the same, I'm not alone
I believe there are others who share my struggles, and that gives me comfort and encouragement


I'll be straight with you on the train
I will be honest and open with you as we travel together on this journey


They'll never believe it now, we're on our way
Others may underestimate or doubt our potential, but we are taking tangible steps towards our goals


I ain't goin' back again
I refuse to return to a situation or lifestyle that held me back or caused harm before


I need it like a hole in my vein, a hole in my vein
Whatever I am pursuing is essential to my well-being and my sense of purpose, like a physical need


God, he been testin' me
I have been facing difficult challenges, and I feel like I am being pushed to my limit


He'd been down, I just need a cool breeze
I am hoping for some relief or a break from my struggles, like a refreshing breeze on a hot day


Papa gave me heart and soul
My father passed down to me his passion for something, which fuels my drive and motivation


Oh papa I, papa I try
I am grateful for my father's guidance and want to make him proud, even when it's challenging


Here no one gives a damn
The people and environment around me do not care about my well-being or success


Time I got my swerve I'm a reborn man
It's time for me to make a change and take control of my life, becoming a new person in the process


I don't belong here, I ain't stayin'
I feel out of place and unwelcome in my current setting, and am determined to leave and find a better fit


I don't belong, I got nothing to prove
I do not need to prove myself or my worth to anyone else but myself


But I'm on the train now, I'm making my move
I am taking action towards my goals and future, leaving behind my old life and any doubts or fears


Get me on the train
I am ready to move forward and need help getting to where I need to be


Baby won't you get me on the train
I am asking for someone's assistance and support in reaching my destination


I gotta get out, gotta get out, gotta get out of here
I am feeling trapped and need to escape my current situation and environment


I'm on the train, I'm on the train now
I have started on my journey towards my goals and am making progress




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FELIX MAJOR BUXTON, SIMON RATCLIFFE, TOMMY BLAIZE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions