Mystery Train
Emmylou Harris Lyrics

Emmylou Harris’ song Mystery Train is a poignant expression of lost love, heartbreak and separation through the metaphor and imagery of a train. The song starts with the singer stating that a train has arrived, which is 16 coaches long, symbolizing the largeness of the train and the impact it will have on their life. They go on to reflect that the long black train took their beloved away from them. The repetition of the line “Train train, rolling round the bend” adds to the ominous tone and highlights the inevitability of the train’s journey, which they cannot change. They lament that their baby has been taken away from them once again.

The second verse is a reflection of the singer’s journey to the station to meet their lover. They ask the station master if the train is running late but are told that she won’t be stopping at this station anymore. The singer’s public display of affection highlights the desperation and raw pain felt by the singer. The station master’s statement is haunting, and the “old 44” indicates that this train is a regular occurrence and has a history of breaking hearts. The third and final verse is the ultimate realization of the singer's worst fears. The whistle of the train is heard in the middle of the night, a time symbolic of loneliness and sadness. The train is already rolling out of sight and taking their baby away from them again. The use of the term ‘Mystery train’ adds a layer of ambiguity to the song, leaving listeners to interpret it in their own way.