After the usual career-beginning playing in local clubs and pubs, in 1987 Fairground Attraction were signed to RCA, and released their first single, "Perfect", in April 1988. It was an immediate success, reaching number one on the UK singles chart. Their album The First of a Million Kisses was a characteristic blend of folk, jazz, country, and cajun elements (all but one of its songs being written by Mark Nevin). Released in May 1988, it followed the success of "Perfect" by entering the album chart at number three, and rising to number two; it was eventually certified platinum. Three other singles were released from the same album: "Find My Love" (which reached number seven on the UK chart), "A Smile in a Whisper", and "Clare".
At the 1989 Brit Awards "Perfect" won the award for best single, and The First of a Million Kisses won best album.
Although they were popular in European countries, and toured the United States, their main success outside the UK was in Japan, where they toured in 1989 (a tour that produced their only live album, Kawasaki Live in Japan 02.07.89).
In September 1989, however, during the recording of a second album, rumours of arguments circulated, and in January 1990 the rumours were confirmed when the band split up. The album Ay Fond Kiss was released in 1990, and one of its songs, "Walking after Midnight", became their last single.
Mystery Train
Fairground Attraction Lyrics
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Whoo-ooh train arrive, sixty minutes gone
Well I ain't seen my baby, he's been gone so long
Mmmm-hmmm going down the track
Freight train going down the track
Oh bring back my baby, he ain't coming back
Train arrive, sixty minutes gone
Whoo-ooh train arrive, sixty minutes gone
Freight train going down the track
Mmm, freight train going down the track
Oh, bring back my baby, he ain't coming back
Fairground Attraction's song "Mystery Train" tells the story of a lover waiting for the arrival of a train, hoping to reunite with her long-absent partner. The train is delayed, and as the minutes tick by, her anxiety and desperation become more intense. The repetition of the line "train arrive, sixty minutes gone" emphasizes the passage of time and her growing sense of hopelessness. The reference to a freight train also adds to the feeling of gloom and solitude.
The song's title "Mystery Train" may refer to the train as a symbol of the unknown future, as the singer waits for something uncertain to happen. Perhaps the train's delayed arrival is a reflection of the uncertainty and unpredictability of love and relationships.
The chorus of "oh, bring back my baby, he ain't coming back" further highlights the sadness and sense of loss that permeates the song. It's a simple but heart-wrenching plea that adds to the song's emotional impact. The repetition of "he's been gone so long" also contributes to the sense of longing and the overwhelming desire for reunion.
Overall, "Mystery Train" is a poignant and beautifully crafted expression of love, loss, and the relentless passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Train arrive, sixty minutes gone
The train arrived an hour ago
Whoo-ooh train arrive, sixty minutes gone
Expressing frustration that the train came an hour ago
Well I ain't seen my baby, he's been gone so long
The singer hasn't seen their loved one in a long time
Mmmm-hmmm going down the track
The sound of the train moving along the tracks
Freight train going down the track
A cargo train is moving forward
Oh bring back my baby, he ain't coming back
The singer wishes their loved one would come back, but knows that won't happen
Train arrive, sixty minutes gone
The train arrived an hour ago
Whoo-ooh train arrive, sixty minutes gone
Still frustrated the train came an hour ago
Oh bring back my baby, he's been gone so long
The artist misses their loved one dearly
Freight train going down the track
Another cargo train moving forward
Mmm, freight train going down the track
The sound of the train on the move again
Oh, bring back my baby, he ain't coming back
The artist is grieving because their loved one is gone and won't return
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Herman Parker Jr., Sam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind