Night Train
Louis Prima & Sam Butera Lyrics


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Here I'm going
Wlakin' with my baby in my arms
'Cuz 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,
'Cuz I'm right here witcha
On the night train

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 mamma, mamma,
Concrete is wheeling by




Down at the end of a lullaby
On the night train

Overall Meaning

Louis Prima's song Night Train is a poignant exploration of a parent's love and protection for their child against the forces of evil. The beginning of the song paints a picture of a parent walking with their baby in their arms, while being pursued by the devil who is intent on taking the child away from them. The singer is in a dire situation as they are on the wrong end of the eight ball black, which is a phrase that is often used to describe a position of disadvantage or bad luck. The song suggests that the parent is being threatened by a social worker who wants to take the baby away from them, but the parent is determined to protect their child at any cost.


As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the parent's desperation and fear as they try to escape from the danger. The singer sings about "tearing down the alley" and "reaching so high" to keep the baby safe. The parent is broken and frightened, but they are resolute in their determination to protect their child. The song seems to suggest that the singer is willing to take any risk and go to any lengths to ensure that their child is not taken away from them.


The lyrics of Night Train are both powerful and evocative, and they showcase Louis Prima's ability to tell a story through his music. The song has resonated with listeners for generations and has become a classic in the world of jazz and blues music.


Line by Line Meaning

Here I'm going
I am going somewhere right now


Wlakin' with my baby in my arms
I am walking with my baby in my arms


'Cuz I am in the wrong end of the eight ball black
I am in trouble


And the devil, see, he's right behind us
The devil is chasing us


And this worker said she's gonna take my little baby
Someone wants to take my baby away from me


My little angel back
My beloved child


But they won't getcha,
They will not take you away


'Cuz I'm right here witcha
Because I am here with you


On the night train
We are on a train at night


Swing low, Saint Cadillac
We are on a Cadillac


Tearin' down the alley
We are driving fast down the street


And I'm reachin' so high for ya
I am reaching for something high


Don't let 'em take me back
Please do not let them take me away


Broken like valiums and chumps in the rain
I am emotionally broken like someone who has taken valiums and lost in the rain


That cry and quiver
I cry and shake with fear


When a blue horizon is sleeping in the station
When the train is stopped at the station


With a ticket for a train
With a ticket for another train


Surely mine will deliver me there
I hope my train will take me to where I need to go


Here she comes
The train is coming


I'm safe here with you
I feel safe with you


On the night train
We are still on the train at night


Oh mamma, mamma,
Oh mother, mother


Concrete is wheeling by
We are passing by many concrete buildings


Down at the end of a lullaby
We are almost at the end of our trip


On the night train
The train is still moving at night




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GREG GIAMPA, MICHAEL NEHRA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@tone2281

WOWSY !!
Great !! Simply great !

So humorous when
u catch onto it !!

I have learned
something
beautiful here
with this performance
clip !!

Oblivious to
Prima when I
stumbled upon this
....not anymore !

Joke:. Hey, that
girl just standing
there, isn't that
Carolyn Jones ?
from the
Addams Family
show....
Morticia !! ?

Ha ha, can't say
enough about this
Fabulous piece ...
superb !!
D. Allen



All comments from YouTube:

@mrski749

If I had a time machine I go back to New Year's Eve 1960 to Wilbur Clarks Desert Inn in Las Vegas to see Louis Prima what a party that must have been The great Louis Prima may he rest in peace.

@mr.zondide2746

You and me both. I’ll take two Smirnoff martinis and half a pack of Luckies. That cat can blow, daddy oh

@Johnnycdrums

I hear you talkin’,

@colinmaharaj

Interesting you said that, that's what Mardy McFly did.

@jackripper2329

@Colin Maharaj martin

@jackripper2329

@Colin Maharaj somebody home Mcfly 😅

5 More Replies...

@robertbarrett6267

I love these guys!!!!! If a band like that played here I'd go every night.......and I'm 85 y/o......and and Keely is priceless!!

@koerierkoerier3581

yes the real tgv😂

@koerierkoerier3581

all aboard

@beachidiot

Me too.

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