Trains
John Cooper Clarke Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Let's face it
You either like trains
Or you don't
And if you do
There seems to be no risk you wouldn't take
No authority you wouldn't challege
Just to take a closer look
You'd think they have something better to do with their brushes and paint
Just because you want to watch the trains go by at close quarters
But remember




Trespassers will be prosecuted
You cannot be bribed

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Cooper Clarke's song "Trains" captures the simple and yet compelling nature of train-watching, which is a hobby shared by many people. He acknowledges that some people may not understand the fascination with trains, but for those who do, there is an almost obsessive desire to get as close as possible to these machines. The song suggests that train-watching leads people to take risks, to push back against authority, and to ignore warnings about trespassing. It highlights the thrill of watching trains up close, despite the potential consequences.


The song also touches on the idea that there is something frivolous about train-watching. Clarke suggests that people who spend their time watching trains might be wasting their time, as if there are better things to do with one's life. But the song ultimately celebrates this hobby, acknowledging that it is a passion that some people just can't resist. The song warns that trespassers will be prosecuted and cannot be bribed, but the allure of watching trains is too strong for some people to ignore.


In many ways, "Trains" is a tribute to the almost instinctual attraction that many people have to trains. The lyrics capture the mystery, excitement, and danger that surrounds train travel, while also acknowledging the passion of those who love to watch passing trains. The song is a tribute to the unsung heroes of trains in our society, those who take the time to watch and appreciate these machines.


Line by Line Meaning

Let's face it
Let's be honest


You either like trains
You either have an interest in trains or you don't


Or you don't
There's no in between


And if you do
And if you do have an interest in trains


There seems to be no risk you wouldn't take
You're willing to take any risk to get close to the trains


No authority you wouldn't challenge
You're not afraid to challenge authority to get closer to the trains


Just to take a closer look
Just to get a better view of the trains


You'd think they have something better to do with their brushes and paint
Others might view it as a waste of time to paint the trains when they have other things to do


Just because you want to watch the trains go by at close quarters
Just because you want to see the trains up close


But remember
But it's important to keep in mind


Trespassers will be prosecuted
Those who trespass will face legal consequences


You cannot be bribed
You cannot be convinced to break the law




Contributed by Stella A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

dejected mass

we've all felt like phil in this scene at least once in our lives.
That feeling when you've had just about enough bullshit and you know you gotta do something about it.

Asphodel123456

I feel like this every monday morning

fish guts

Been there done that

Rob Runstedler

Not me, I'm blessed I guess.

Mr Higgins

So well put. Phil has had enough

33 More Replies...

Nicholas Herriman

This is like an anxiety attack. You're at an event where everyone should be happy, but you have this ominous sense of imminent horror.

Stakker

That's why it's so powerful. The sense of forboding is palpable. To his credit, Frank did these lines in silence, but music elevates them to intensity levels off the chart. And now i have to watch again. Jeez.

Mr GQ

I would give absolutely anything to feel again, what I felt when I saw this ending for the first time. Never in the history of film/tv/cinema, has an ending ( intertwined with a soundtrack), given me such a sense of excitement, anxiety, apprehension and dread. I take my hat off to the entire cast and crew. Simply unsurpassable. Being a Manchester lad too, this is even more special.

SMH40SMH

The Second Coming and Blue Comets episode endings were amazing as well. Tony walking out the hospital and Tony laying in bed looking at the door with a Rifle ppff

Lonewolf_007

Breaking bad granite state end scene is pretty dam
Good also u should check
It out ,

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