Take The 'A' Train
Dave Brubeck & J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding Lyrics

In these lyrics, the artist expresses a sense of melancholy and longing for the past. The train serves as a metaphorical vehicle to transport the singer back in time when they are feeling sad and don't know how to cope. It represents a way to escape the present and revisit a time when things were different.

The singer's gloom is likened to a shuttered room, indicating a feeling of confinement and isolation. Taking the train to another time becomes a way to break free from this emotional state and find solace in the memories of the past. It suggests that nostalgia and reminiscing can provide comfort and relief from present-day troubles.

The repeated phrase "Take the train to yesterday" reinforces the idea of going back to a time when love was free. The singer invites someone, possibly a loved one, to join them on this journey to recapture the essence of their relationship and rediscover the happiness they once shared. It speaks to a desire for a fresh start and a longing to return to a time when they had a clear sense of belief and trust.

However, the lyrics also acknowledge the presence of deception and lies in their lives. The line "So many lies, oh in so many lives" suggests a loss of innocence and a recognition that the past was not perfect. Despite this acknowledgment, there is still a yearning to go back and revisit the time when the truth seemed clearer and their hearts were more aligned.

In summary, the lyrics of "Take The 'A' Train" convey the artist's longing for the past and the desire to escape present sadness by traveling back in time. It explores themes of nostalgia, the yearning to recapture lost love and belief, and the bittersweet recognition that the past was not without its flaws. Ultimately, the song encourages the listener to reflect on the power of memory and to find solace in revisiting happier times.