Peter
Bob and Doug McKenzie Lyrics


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Stop that train I'm leavin' today
Stop that train I'm leavin' anyway
Stop that train I'm leavin' And I said
It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong
I said, it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong

All my good life I've been a lonely man,
Teachin' my people who don't understand;
And even though I tried my best,
I still can't find no happiness

So I got to say
Stop that train I'm leavin' oh, baby now
Stop that train I'm leavin' don't care what you say
Stop that train I'm leavin' And I said
It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong;
Said, it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong

Some goin' east; and-a some goin' west,
Some stand aside to try their best
Some livin' big, but the most is livin' small
They just can't even find no food at all

I mean, stop it
Stop that train I'm leavin' leavin', mm-hmm
Stop that train I'm leavin' I don't mind
Stop that train I'm leavin' And I said
It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong
I said it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong

Stop that train I'm leavin' leavin'
Stop that train I'm leavin' can't take it
Stop that train I'm leavin' got to be better




It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong;
I said it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bob and Doug McKenzie's song 'Peter' are actually a cover of a Bob Marley classic, 'Stop That Train', which was released in 1965. The song is about someone who is unhappy with their current situation and is ready to leave it behind, no matter the outcome. The lyrics are telling the story of someone who has spent their life trying to teach and help others, but still finds themselves unable to attain happiness. The line "stop that train" is meant to indicate the need to stop the cycle of unhappiness and move forward towards a better future.


The lyrics also make reference to different groups of people who are going in different directions in life. Some are living big while others are struggling to find food. This is another way the song is showing the diverse paths people take in life and how some are more fortunate than others.


Overall, the song is about the desire to create positive change in the face of adversity and the determination to overcome challenges in order to attain happiness. It is a call to action to stop repeating the same patterns and to take control of one's life in order to achieve a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Stop that train I'm leavin' today
I need to leave this place immediately


Stop that train I'm leavin' anyway
I don't care how I leave, just as long as I do


Stop that train I'm leavin' And I said
I'm serious, I need to get out of here


It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong
Regardless of whether my decision to leave is the right one, I won't be gone for too long


All my good life I've been a lonely man,
Throughout my entire life, I've felt isolated and disconnected


Teachin' my people who don't understand;
I've tried to educate those around me who don't seem to comprehend my message


And even though I tried my best,
Despite my best efforts,


I still can't find no happiness
I'm still unable to find any joy or contentment


Stop that train I'm leavin' oh, baby now
I'm pleading with you to help me leave


Stop that train I'm leavin' don't care what you say
I don't care about any objections or excuses, I have to go


Some goin' east; and-a some goin' west,
Some people are headed in one direction, while others are going in the opposite


Some stand aside to try their best
Some people stand aside to watch others try their best


Some livin' big, but the most is livin' small
Some people are living large, but most are struggling to get by


They just can't even find no food at all
Some people don't even have access to basic necessities like food


Stop that train I'm leavin' leavin', mm-hmm
I'm really serious about leaving now


Stop that train I'm leavin' I don't mind
I don't care what the mode of transport is, as long as I can leave


Stop that train I'm leavin' got to be better
Anything is better than staying here


It won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong;
Again, my departure won't be for very long regardless of whether my decision is the correct one


I said it won't be too long whether I'm right or wrong
I'm emphasizing the brevity of my departure regardless of the outcome




Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PETER TOSH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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