Night Train
Lee Lyrics
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Walkin' with my baby in my arms
'cause I am in the wrong end of the eight ball black
And the devil, see, he's right behind us
And this worker said she's gonna take my little baby
My little angel back
But they won't getcha,
'cause I'm right here witcha
Swing low, Saint Cadillac
Tearin' down the alley
And I'm reachin' so high for ya
Don't let 'em take me back
Broken like Valiums and chumps in the rain
That cry and quiver
When a blue horizon is sleeping in the station
With a ticket for a train
Surely mine will deliver me there
Here she comes
I'm safe here with you
On the night train
Oh mama, mama,
Concrete is wheeling by
Down at the end of a lullaby
On the night train
The song "Night Train" by Lee is a poetic narrative that takes listeners on a journey with the singer, who is walking with his baby in his arms. However, he is in a state of fear and uncertainty because he is on the wrong end of the eight ball black, which refers to being in an unfavorable position. The devil is also said to be right behind him, adding to the anxiety he feels about his circumstances. The singer is being pursued by an authority figure who wants to take away his baby, but the song assures that they won't succeed because he is with his child on the night train. He seeks refuge and safety on a train that swings low like St. Cadillac, tearing down the alley. The singer is desperately reaching out for protection against those who want to harm him and his child.
The imagery in the song is vivid, with the lyrics painting a picture of a weary and broken person who is seeking salvation through the night train. Broken like Valiums and chumps in the rain that cry and quiver, the singer is overwhelmed and distressed by his situation. He finds solace in the thought of a blue horizon that is sleeping in the station, and he hopes that his ticket on the night train will deliver him to a better place. The song's tone is melancholic, with tender moments of affection towards the baby present throughout the song. The lyrics display the struggles of a person who finds themselves in a difficult period in life, seeking comfort and safety amidst the chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I'm going
I'm heading somewhere
Walkin' with my baby in my arms
I'm walking with my loved one
'cause I am in the wrong end of the eight ball black
Because I'm in a bad situation
And the devil, see, he's right behind us
We're being pursued by something evil
And this worker said she's gonna take my little baby
An authority figure is threatening to take away my child
My little angel back
My precious child
But they won't getcha,
But they won't succeed
'cause I'm right here witcha
Because I'm right here with you
On the night train
We're on a train at night
Swing low, Saint Cadillac
Our mode of transportation is fitting for the occasion
Tearin' down the alley
We're moving swiftly through the city
And I'm reachin' so high for ya
I'm trying my best to protect you
Don't let 'em take me back
I won't allow them to take me away
Broken like Valiums and chumps in the rain
We're feeling defeated and vulnerable
That cry and quiver
We're emotional and scared
When a blue horizon is sleeping in the station
When we're stuck and waiting for something better
With a ticket for a train
With the possibility of leaving our problems behind
Surely mine will deliver me there
I hope that my train will take me to a better place
Here she comes
Our train is arriving
I'm safe here with you
I feel secure with you by my side
On the night train
We're still on the train at night
Oh mama, mama,
An expression of concern or fear
Concrete is wheeling by
We're passing by urban scenery
Down at the end of a lullaby
We're moving through a dreamlike state
On the night train
We're still on the train at night
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICKIE LEE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anncorbin6810
Amos, I want to let you know I my only child was killed and you pulled me through it, only your voice and music calmed me down otherwise I wouldn't be here today. My heart thanks you Amos since she left a treasure for me ... a grandson & without & your talents, he would have been here on earth alone. I found strength & the will to go on for his sake. My heart thanks you Amos!! I just can't get through the day without hearing you sing. You are so gifted, & loved by thousands, including me!!
@joannnebrooks860
Ann Corbin you just described how I feel. Can't really describe whats going but when I don't to leave my apartment I jump up grab my earbuds, dog and his leash and walk with Amos on my phone. Thank God for his beautiful creation and me finding Amos Lee.
@suemorency3077
I will never be the same ...... His voice brings me to a whole new level of feeling.
@LaurieCusveller-en4jk
This is the most remarkable song - its fills snd soothes the soul down deep -Amos you are an inspiration and amazing gift to the eorkd of music
@nikkigoode6139
5/4/23 Loved him a long time. Amos Lee is awesome.
@JakeBor
My ex and I were at this performance. This is back when the ACL studio was still located on the UT campus. I miss those days, and I miss Austin.
@ryanfield1891
I love Amos Lee. His talent guides me, inspires me...oh ya and he's a great writer/lyricist.
@AsianLifeinAmerica
He should top the charts in his next album. This guy is just... legendary
@erinkailing7176
Love this song. Its so chill and relaxing. His voice is amazing!
@braveeagles2000
Heals the soul