Homebound Train
Bon Jovi Lyrics


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When I was just a boy
The devil took my hand
Took me from my home
He made me a man
So, don't talk to me about sympathy now
Cause you can't dance if you
Take a chance on your rosary
I'm going down, down, down, down, down
On the homebound train

It's been a millions years
That I been gone
I been everywhere, now I'm heading home
Been a lot of girls, but
There's a woman I know
Said don't take no plane
Better take a train
Cause I like it real slow

All the way back home
On the homebound train
I'm going down, down, down, down, down
On the homebound train

I'm on my way
I'm heading home
To be with my baby
Where I belong
Coming down the tracks now
See, I done my time
I'm going back now
To that home of mine
Well, here I come baby

Here I come baby
Here I come baby

All the way back home
On that homebound train




I'm going down, down, down, down, down
On that homebound train

Overall Meaning

In "Homebound Train," Bon Jovi tells the story of a man who had a difficult life from a young age. The first verse talks about how the devil took his hand when he was a boy and led him away from his home, ultimately turning him into a man. While the lyrics are metaphorical, the message is clear: the man was led astray and now he's seeking his way back home.


The second verse reveals that the man has been gone for a long time and has traveled to many places and had many experiences. However, he's now returning home to the woman he knows and loves. She tells him not to take a plane, but instead to take the train, because the journey is slow and enjoyable. The repetition of the phrase "I'm going down, down, down, down, down / On the homebound train" reinforces the feeling of being pulled towards home, while the train serves as a metaphor for his journey back to the life he once knew.


Overall, "Homebound Train" is a song about redemption and finding your way back home after being led astray. The message is hopeful, and the lyrics reveal the singer's longing to return to a simpler time in his life.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was just a boy
In my youth, at an age when I was still innocent


The devil took my hand
I fell into bad company and chose the wrong path


Took me from my home
I was led away from my family and all that I knew


He made me a man
I was forced to grow up quickly and make tough decisions


So, don't talk to me about sympathy now
Do not bother pretending to empathize with me now


Cause you can't dance if you
There is no sense in pretending everything is okay when it is not


Take a chance on your rosary
The only thing you can do is hope for the best and pray for guidance


I'm going down, down, down, down, down
I am spiraling downward and cannot seem to break the cycle


On the homebound train
I am headed back to where I came from


It's been a millions years
It feels like an eternity has passed since I left


That I been gone
I have been away from my home for far too long


I been everywhere, now I'm heading home
I have seen and experienced many things, but now I am returning to my roots


Been a lot of girls, but
I have had many fleeting romances, but


There's a woman I know
There is one special person that I truly care for


Said don't take no plane
She advised me not to take the easy way out


Better take a train
She suggested I take the slower, more deliberate path


Cause I like it real slow
She enjoys taking things one step at a time and savors the journey


I'm on my way
I am en route to my destination


I'm heading home
I am returning to the place where I was raised


To be with my baby
I am eager to reunite with the one person who means the most to me


Where I belong
I feel a sense of belonging and purpose in this place


Coming down the tracks now
I am approaching my destination


See, I done my time
I have paid my dues and completed my journey


I'm going back now
I am retracing my steps and returning to where I came from


To that home of mine
I am headed back to my place of origin


Well, here I come baby
Get ready, because I am almost there


All the way back home
I am making the full journey back to where I started


On that homebound train
I am using the train as a means of transportation to get back


I'm going down, down, down, down, down
I am still struggling, but I am heading in the right direction




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD SAMBORA, JON BON JOVI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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