Southbound Train
Crosby Nash & Young Lyrics
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Can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead?
To the land of their fathers whose lives you have led
To the station at the end of the town
On the southbound train going down
Equality, quietly facing the fist
Are you angry and tired that your point has been missed?
And study the list
Of the gamblers using the phone
On the southbound train going down
Fraternity, failing to fight back the tears
Will it take an eternity breaking all the fears?
And what will the passenger do when he hears-
That he's already paid for the crown
On the southbound train going down
The lyrics of Crosby, Nash & Young's song "Southbound Train" touches on three themes that are still very relevant today. The first theme is liberty, which in the song is described as laughing and shaking your head. The lyrics ask the question, "Can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead?" which can be interpreted in various ways. It could be a reference to the Vietnam War or a metaphorical question about can you lead the fallen and bring them to the place they belong. The land of their fathers whose lives you have led is also a reference to home, and how it is essential to take care of those who have lost their lives fighting for their country. The station at the end of the town on the southbound train going down is a somber reminder of how many soldiers never return home and instead go on a one-way journey to their resting place.
The second theme, equality, showcases the struggles individuals face when fighting for their rights. The lyrics describe how people are facing fists and their voice is not being heard. The back-room reference to studying a list of gamblers using the phone is a nod towards the corrupt nature of individuals in power. The lyrics are still relatable today as political corruption and social inequalities continue to plague our society.
The final theme, fraternity, highlights the pain and tears that come with fighting for justice. The lyrics question whether it will take an eternity to break all the fears and wonders what the passenger would do once he learns that he has already paid for the crown. The journey of the southbound train going down is a metaphor for the sacrifice and hardships people face in their fight for justice.
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
Liberty, laughing and shaking your head
Are you amazed and disheartened by the lack of freedom, and can you lead the revolution to restore it?
Can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead?
Are you willing to take up the fight of your forefathers and make the ultimate sacrifice?
To the land of their fathers whose lives you have led
Will you carry on the legacy and values of your ancestors to make the world a better place?
To the station at the end of the town
Will you march to the final destination of your rebellion against the government and system?
On the southbound train going down
Are you prepared to journey towards your ultimate goal of freedom and equality?
Equality, quietly facing the fist
Despite the brute force of oppression, will you remain steadfast in your pursuit for true equality?
Are you angry and tired that your point has been missed?
Are you frustrated that people are not understanding the gravity of the situation and the need for change?
Will you go in the back-room
Do you have the courage to face the conspiracies and schemes of the oppressors head-on?
And study the list
Will you do your research and uncover the hidden agendas and corrupt practices of those in power?
Of the gamblers using the phone
Will you expose the tactics of those in power to manipulate the masses and prevent them from rising up?
On the southbound train going down
Despite the obstacles, are you committed to your path towards equality and justice?
Fraternity, failing to fight back the tears
Despite being a symbol of strength and togetherness, are you struggling with your own emotions and fears?
Will it take an eternity breaking all the fears?
Will it take forever to overcome the psychological barriers and fears that prevent progress?
And what will the passenger do when he hears-
What will be the reaction of those in power when they realize their time has come?
That he's already paid for the crown
Will the corrupt leaders be held accountable for their actions, and will the people finally receive their rightful share of power and resources?
On the southbound train going down
Are you willing to take the journey towards a better future, even if it means facing hardships and sacrifices along the way?
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GRAHAM NASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jorge Grillo
Liberty, laughing and shaking your head
Can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead?
To the land of their fathers whose lives you have led
To the station at the end of the town
On the southbound train going down..
Equality, quietly facing the fist
Are you angry and tired that your point has been missed?
Will you go in the back-room
And study the list
Of the gamblers using the phone
On the southbound train going down
Fraternity, failing to fight back the tears
Will it take an eternity breaking all the fears?
And what will the passenger do when he hears-
That he's already paid for the crown
On the southbound train going down.
Goldwing 7 7
Liberty, laughing and shaking your head, can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead
to the land of their fathers whose lives you have led to the station at the edge of the town
on the southbound train going down?
Equality, quietly facing the fist, are you angry and tired that your point has been missed?
Will you go in the back room and study the list of the gamblers using the phone
on the southbound train going down?
Fraternity, failing to fight back the tears, will it take an eternity breaking all the fears?
And what will the passenger do when he hears that he's already paid for the crown
on the southbound train going down?
TennisGuyFL
My claim to fame with this song was in 1973. I was in the Navy and stationed in Iceland doing anti-submarine warfare with VP-56. Several of us were getting early outs so that we could attend college, and the 6-7 of us were gathered together in Heathrow airport in London awaiting a flight back to the US. With the flights running late, several of my buddies got our acoustic guitars and played Southbound Train. Rec'd standing ovation from crowd. I'll never forget that. Thanks, Graham.
Barry Wayne
Thanks, shipmate.
Itsonlyme
Ah ... that third verse where they really kick the harmonies in just kills me. Flawless and beautiful!
Marcelo Inustroza
I was thinking the same...memorable performance...
Spooked Horse
Love how it progresses thru the entire track. But those 3rd verse harmonies, might be the best ever laid down.
Itsonlyme
@Spooked Horse Agree... magical.
Anthony Monaghan
Jerry's pedal steel guitar...beautiful as ever. A really wonderful song, Nash had been listening to his old sparring partner Neil Young. The influence is there but he still makes it his own.
Philip Arrowsmith
In 1972 I went into a record shop in Guildford Town Centre (Its not there anymore). I saw this album for sale and could not believe it (there was no internet in those days). I asked a member of staff if I could listen to it (It was vinyl, there were no tapes or CDs in those days). I put on a large set of headphones and sat and waited. A slight crackle and then this song began to play. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life when they began to sing. I have never forgotten that moment.
Spooked Horse
Nice, man.
Around 1974-75, I was at an Uncles house for Xmas, with the family. Xmas eve while we were literally gathered around the fire, my Uncle dropped this vinyl on. I remember my older cousins started hootin and hollerin and that excitement pulled me right in to the song. They all knew the words and sang out loud. I pretended I knew the words. What a moment. Almost 50 some odd years later, It still sounds brand spanking new.
Mark Garcia
Beautiful song, beautiful voices, beautiful harmonies, beautiful lyrics, beautiful memories......AMAZING!!!!