Gilmore also played "Smokey" in The Big Lebowski
Midnight Train
Jimmie Dale Gilmore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
your seat is reserved- the brakeman is tired
the timetables set with exceptions for no one
No luggage allowed no ticket required.
It will be there right on time at the station
Even if midnight must come at high noon.
You will not know that train's destination
And you'll not leave late nor one minute too soon.
You may sit beside Fear and go worse than lonely
Or travel with Trust with love and faith restored
These choices you have And these choices only
When that train rolls in, and you step aboard.
Now that whistle blows, yes it's already whining
If you listen close you can hear it soft and clear
And that headlight burns, yes its already shinin'
And you might as well choose right now, it's love or fear.
The lyrics of Jimmie Dale Gilmore’s “Midnight Train” paint a picture of a long and slow journey with a sense of inevitability. The train appears to be a metaphor for an unavoidable experience that one must face. The lyrics suggest that regardless of how one feels or what baggage they carry, the journey must be taken. The timetables are set with no exceptions for anyone, implying that no matter how important one thinks they are, they cannot delay the journey or change its course.
The metaphorical meanings of fear and trust are also evident in the song. Fear is depicted as sitting beside the individual, making them feel worse than lonely. On the other hand, trust is illustrated as a companion who restores one’s love and faith. The imagery of fear and trust suggests that people have a choice before stepping onto the train about which of these two they will choose.
At the closing lines of “Midnight Train,” Jimmie Dale Gilmore equates the train with a fundamental decision: “And you might as well choose right now, it’s love or fear.” The song’s final lines suggest that once an individual steps onto the train, they have to maintain steadfastness towards their choice. Overall, “Midnight Train” is a metaphor for making a significant life choice and having the courage to pursue it, even though one might not want to.
Line by Line Meaning
That midnight train is a long and a slow one
The journey towards change is difficult and arduous.
Your seat is reserved - the brakeman is tired
Your fate is predetermined, caution is advised as the driver might be exhausted of life's challenges.
The timetables set with exceptions for no one
Time waits for no one, and it's inevitable and inflexible.
No luggage allowed no ticket required.
You can't bring material belongings with you, as the trip is focused on the soul and the spirit, not on materialistic possessions.
It will be there right on time at the station
The opportunity for change always comes at the right time, whether we are ready for it or not.
Even if midnight must come at high noon.
Change can happen in any form or timing, irrespective of our expectations.
You will not know that train's destination
It's impossible to forecast an outcome when all you have is hope, faith, and trust.
And you'll not leave late nor one minute too soon.
There's no right or wrong time when it comes to stepping into the unknown, as it's unique to every individual.
You may sit beside Fear and go worse than lonely
Resisting change and allowing fear to be your guide instills more loneliness than making a change and facing your fears.
Or travel with Trust with love and faith restored
Having faith and trust in the journey ahead brings back love, hope, and positivity to life.
These choices you have and these choices only
The power of choice is yours, and it's an individual's decision to either take or reject the opportunity.
When that train rolls in, and you step aboard.
When you feel a change is significant, it's time to take the opportunity and step aboard.
That whistle blows, yes, it's already whining
The soul stirs up, allowing us to make changes that deep down, we know we must to live up to our full potential.
If you listen close, you can hear it soft and clear
Careful listening can provide insights into one's true-life journey and purpose.
And that headlight burns, yes, it's already shining
That spark within us that some refer to as the 'inner light' is there, waiting to be discovered, and lead us on the journey of a lifetime.
And you might as well choose right now, it's love or fear.
The final decision you must make is whether you're willing to live a life filled with love and compassion or one dominated by fears and trepidation.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMIE DALE GILMORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind