Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?
Christy Moore Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mckenzie′s soul lies above the ground
In that pyramid near Maryland
Easyjet is hanging in the air
Taking everyone to everywhere
...Whoa
See slave ships sailing into port
The blood of Africa's on every wall
Now there′s a layline runs down Mathew Street
It's giving energy to all it meets
...Whoa

Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside
Whoa
Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside
Whoa

Alan Williams in the Marlboro Arms
Giving his story out to everyone
Famine boats are anchored in the bay
Bringing the poor and deperate
...Whoa

Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside
Whoa
Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside

Bustling babies bouncing on the ground
The riggers beaming out to every town
Whoa... Yeh... Yeh
Why don't you remember
Whoa... Yeh... Yeh
Why don′t you remember

Can′t concieve what those children done
Guess theres a meaness in the soul of man
Yorkshire policemen chat with folded arms
While people try and save their fellow fans

Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside
Whoa




Hey, does this train stop
Does this train stop on Merseyside

Overall Meaning

"Does This Train Stop On Merseyside?" by Christy Moore is a song that reflects on the history and spirit of Liverpool, particularly focusing on the themes of migration, cultural diversity, and social injustices. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city and its connection to the wider world.


The reference to Mckenzie's soul lying above the ground in a pyramid near Maryland suggests a memorial or resting place for someone who has passed away. It could symbolize the collective spirit of the people from Merseyside, elevated and revered. The mention of Easyjet in the air taking everyone to everywhere highlights the city's role as a hub of travel and exploration.


The verse referencing slave ships sailing into port and the blood of Africa on every wall alludes to Liverpool's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The city played a significant role in this dark chapter of history, with many of its buildings and wealth being connected to the trade.


The layline running down Mathew Street signifies a spiritual energy or force that emanates from the heart of the city. Mathew Street is famous for housing venues such as The Cavern Club, where The Beatles began their journey. This line suggests that the city's cultural heritage and musical legacy continue to thrive and inspire.


The mention of Alan Williams in the Marlboro Arms refers to a key figure in the early career of The Beatles, who helped manage and promote the band. This reference highlights the city's rich musical history and the impact it has had on the world.


The line about famine boats anchored in the bay alludes to the Irish Potato Famine and the subsequent waves of Irish immigration to Liverpool. The city became a refuge for many who were fleeing the devastating effects of the famine, leading to a significant Irish population in Liverpool.


The chorus repeatedly asking if the train stops on Merseyside is a metaphorical question about whether the city's rich history and heritage will be acknowledged and respected. It is a plea to remember and recognize the struggles and contributions of the people who have shaped the city.


Overall, the song captures the spirit of Liverpool, with its cultural diversity, resilience, and complex history. It celebrates the city's musical legacy while acknowledging the social injustices and challenges faced by its people.


Line by Line Meaning

Mckenzie′s soul lies above the ground
Mckenzie's spirit or essence lives on even after death


In that pyramid near Maryland
Referring to a burial site or monument where Mckenzie's soul is honored


Easyjet is hanging in the air
The presence of low-cost airlines like Easyjet is prevalent in the skies


Taking everyone to everywhere
These airlines cater to people traveling to various destinations


...Whoa
Expressing a sense of awe or wonder


See slave ships sailing into port
Observing historical ships bringing enslaved Africans to the port


The blood of Africa's on every wall
The impact of slavery and its remnants are deeply ingrained in society


Now there′s a layline runs down Mathew Street
Symbolic energy or path running through Mathew Street, influencing all it touches


It's giving energy to all it meets
Empowering and inspiring everyone it encounters


...Whoa
Continued sense of awe or wonder


Hey, does this train stop
Questioning if this train will make a stop


Does this train stop on Merseyside
Asking if the train has a scheduled stop in Merseyside


Alan Williams in the Marlboro Arms
Referring to a person named Alan Williams who is in a specific location


Giving his story out to everyone
Sharing his personal experiences or narrative with anyone who will listen


Famine boats are anchored in the bay
Boats carrying desperate and impoverished individuals seeking refuge


Bringing the poor and deperate
Transporting those who are impoverished and in need


...Whoa
Continued sense of awe or wonder


Bustling babies bouncing on the ground
Active and lively children playing and moving about


The riggers beaming out to every town
The hardworking individuals radiating energy and pride to all towns


Whoa... Yeh... Yeh
Expressing enthusiasm and affirmation


Why don't you remember
Questioning why someone doesn't recall or retain certain memories


Can′t concieve what those children done
Unable to comprehend or understand the accomplishments of those children


Guess theres a meaness in the soul of man
Speculating that there is a cruelty or harshness within human nature


Yorkshire policemen chat with folded arms
Police officers from Yorkshire engage in conversation with a defensive demeanor


While people try and save their fellow fans
Meanwhile, individuals make efforts to rescue and protect their fellow football supporters


Hey, does this train stop
Questioning if this train will make a stop


Does this train stop on Merseyside
Asking if the train has a scheduled stop in Merseyside




Writer(s): Ian Prowse

Contributed by David H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Peter Mcbride

Wow... the great Man/Men there, playing a cover of a song written by a family member.
That’s beautiful Lads, a great tribute to Ian, indeed..👍

Distant Echo

just wonderful, great song by a great group in Amsterdam and Christy, as always makes it his own, makes the hairs stand up!

Dee O'donoghue

Brilliant Irish Musician, Christy Moore. brings back happy memories, growing up in Ireland. Deirdre O'Donoghue, (originally from Cork City, Ireland.) Thanks for the memories!

Tony Brien

Pure quality, thanks Christy....

R Chapo

Class love it Merseyside needs this, the things people think about the people of Merseyside.,,,

Radni Naslov

At 00:30 there goes one more turn of G chord,great to see Declan just play along!

James McCabe

Saw him do this at the Phil last night with Ian Prowse. Wonderful!

LiteGauge

Really beautiful

Maryline Noel

It does not get much better than that. Thanks for sharing.

neil5211

Can't wait for my copy of Listen to fly down here !!!

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