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
Doug Smith
This is the real deal...it is a relentless, heavy, and intense groove.
In the same orbit as Funkadelic, The Meters, Fela Kuti and, Defunkt.
I bet that artists like Afrika Bambaata, Curtis Mantronix, and George Clinton were all over this album.
Seeing them on this tour was a GAMECHANGER..."Paralyzed" was deadly.
A piledriving funk...
Zed Smith
Solid Gold is one of the most underrated albums of all time.. It's brilliant from beginning to end. Beautiful, cautious, dark and cynical, and humorous.. Good job, Andy..RIP BROTHER.
Doug Smith
This is the real deal...it is a relentless, heavy, and intense groove.
In the same orbit as Funkadelic, The Meters, Fela Kuti and, Defunkt.
I bet that artists like Afrika Bambaata, Curtis Mantronix, and George Clinton were all over this album.
Seeing them on this tour was a GAMECHANGER..."Paralyzed" was deadly.
A piledriving funk...
Doug Smith
I agree with you 100%
People get so wound up with the stone classic debut album (Entertainment" and, forget about the PHENOMENAL sophomore album "Solid Gold"
I truly believe that the ferocious funk of this album goes over people's heads...it is too heavy a groove
Bat Boy
So weird. I listening Gang of Four non-stop for the past 7 days. And now this happens. crazy.
Jericho the Weary
RIP Andy Gill. That band had such a huge influence on my thinking and my own guitar playing. His death is one more vestige of my youth that's been clawed away...
big perm
This songs is so killer, I remember this from the 80's!!!
R Kline
They still play some small clubs. Awesome, jon still smashes the telly.
rowen
single-handedly responsible for so many great bands.
Kim Bratten
I remember buying this. I can take myself back to the exact moment. Thanks for posting.
Quentin Kirk
Kim Bratten Me Too, 1985 To Be Exact.