Re-uniting in August of 2005 to play a CBGB's benefit with Gorilla Biscuits for a one-day-only-event, the ex-members can be found currently playing in Grey Area and 9 Lives.
The Reason
Black Train Jack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That we can't understand
Ignore the doubt so we could figure out how to
Lend a helping hand
I really appreciate your concern
For my well being
But step aside and I'll show you that I'm wise
To the things that are said of me
You can't see it
But that's my reason
Get a job and don't be a slob
Try to be a responsible man
I go to work like any other jerk
And I do the best I can
I got to make I got to create
I got to build with my own two hands
I travel around from town to town
Making noise in a hardcore band
You can't hear it
You can't see it
But that's my reason
I can't stand people telling me
What I ought to do
I've warned them once before
And now I'm telling you
You say
Sit down have a drink
Calm you down enough to think
What're the funny clothes about
Why don't you let your hair grow out
You're getting older act your age
To the way you like it change my ways
Just cause you don't understand
I say
No
The song “The Reason” by Black Train Jack questions the society’s norms and expectations imposed on individuals. The song is about being judged for your choices in life and not conforming to societal expectations. The lyrics ask the listener about the reasons for the choices they make and the things they do that are not understandable to others. It encourages individuals to ignore the doubts and lend a helping hand to others. The songwriter appreciates the concern shown for their well-being but wishes to prove that they are wise enough to decide what is best for them. The lyrics continue to explain the songwriter’s choice to pursue a career in music and how it may not be perceived as an acceptable career path in society’s eyes. The lyrics state that the songwriter is just as responsible as any other person with a job, and they take pride in their ability to create music with their own two hands. The chorus repeats the line “But that’s my reason,” signifying that everyone has their reasons for doing what they do, and those reasons may not be understood by others.
The overall message of the song is to encourage people to be true to themselves and not conform to society’s expectations or judgments. The lyrics are about standing up for oneself and not letting others dictate how they live their lives. The song’s genre, punk rock, emphasizes the message of individuality and staying true to oneself. This song may resonate with individuals who feel judged for their choices or are struggling to make decisions that align with societal expectations. The song reminds the listener that everyone has a reason for doing what they do, and it’s important to respect that.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do you do the things you do
I am curious about the actions you take
That we can't understand
As individuals, we may not comprehend each other's behavior
Ignore the doubt so we could figure out how to
Push aside skepticism to work together and assist
Lend a helping hand
Offer support or aid
I really appreciate your concern
Thank you for caring about my well-being
For my well being
Concentrating on my physical, mental, and emotional wellness
But step aside and I'll show you that I'm wise
Allow me to handle it; I know what I am doing
To the things that are said of me
Regarding the things spoken about me
You can't hear it
You might not understand or acknowledge it
You can't see it
Sometimes things aren't visible, tangible, or easily identifiable
But that's my reason
That's my justification for my actions
Get a job and don't be a slob
Obtain employment and avoid being lazy
Try to be a responsible man
Attempt to be a reliable and accountable person
I go to work like any other jerk
I work like an ordinary person
And I do the best I can
I put forth my best effort
I got to make I got to create
I have to generate and produce
I got to build with my own two hands
I have to construct things physically
I travel around from town to town
I journey to various locations
Making noise in a hardcore band
Playing music loudly in a hardcore band
I can't stand people telling me
I cannot tolerate individuals dictating to me
What I ought to do
What actions I should take
I've warned them once before
I have previously cautioned them
And now I'm telling you
Right now, I am informing you
You say
You state
Sit down have a drink
Relax and have a beverage
Calm you down enough to think
Soothe yourself to the point where you can think more clearly
What're the funny clothes about
Why are you wearing unusual clothing
Why don't you let your hair grow out
Why not allow your hair to grow longer
You're getting older act your age
You should behave more maturely since you're aging
To the way you like it change my ways
Transform my habits to suit your preferences
Just cause you don't understand
Simply because you do not perceive
I say
I announce
No
I decline
Contributed by Hunter B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.