Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time
Gang of Four Lyrics
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Wants to own tomorrow
Discipline, is his passion
Now, he says there's none
Outside the trains don't run on time
He believes it's no coincidence
He thinks sunblock will track him down
He wants his wife to run, and fetch
Order, he's obsessed with order, order
Discipline, is his passion
Now, he says there's none
Order, his obsession
Order, his obsession
Now, he says there's none
Outside the trains don't run on time
He believes it's no coincidence
He thinks sunblock will track him down
Home, it's no castle
He wants his wife, to run, and fetch
Order
The trains don't run on time
Nostalgia
Discipline
Is his passion
Now, he says there's none
Outside the trains don't run on time
The lyrics of Gang of Four's song Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time tell a story of a man who has become nostalgic and wants to own tomorrow, but he is obsessed with order and discipline. He believes that outside of his world, the trains don't run on time, which he thinks is no coincidence. He is constantly worried that he is being tracked down, believing that even sunblock will be able to find him. The man's home is not a castle to him, and he wants his wife to run and fetch things for him. It is clear that this man's obsession with order is taking over his life, and it has gotten to the point where he cannot function without it.
The repeating phrase "discipline is his passion, now he says there's none" suggests that this man has become disillusioned with his own obsession, as he realizes that it is not bringing him the order and control that he desires. Despite this realization, he is unable to let go of his obsession, which is causing him to become even more anxious and paranoid. The repetition of the line "outside the trains don't run on time" reinforces this man's belief that everything outside of his world is chaotic and disorderly.
Overall, the lyrics of Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time offer a commentary on the dangers of becoming too obsessed with order and control. The man's obsession with discipline and order is preventing him from living a fulfilling life, and he is unable to see the beauty and chaos that exists outside of his own world.
Line by Line Meaning
He's become nostalgic
He longs for the past
Wants to own tomorrow
Desires control over the future
Discipline, is his passion
He values strict control and adherence to rules
Now, he says there's none
He believes there is a lack of discipline in society
Outside the trains don't run on time
He sees chaos and disorder in the world
He believes it's no coincidence
He thinks there is a causal relationship between chaos and lack of discipline
He thinks sunblock will track him down
He is paranoid and believes he is being watched or followed
Home, it's no castle
He feels unsafe in his own home
He wants his wife to run, and fetch
He expects others, particularly women, to be subservient to him
Order, he's obsessed with order, order
He fixates on maintaining strict control and order in everything
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID ALLEN, HUGO BURNHAM, ANDREW GILL, JONATHAN KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind