Train
Michael Kamen Lyrics


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There's a hungry road I can only hope's
Gonna eat me up inside
There's a drifting spirit coming clean
In the eye of a lifelong fire
Tell Monday I'll be around next week
I'm running ahead of my days
In the shotgun chance that scattered us
I've seen the error of my ways

Well we've wrapped ourselves in golden crowns
Like sun gods spitting rain
Found a way home written on this map
Like red dye in my veins
In the hardest times that come around
The fear of losing grows
I've lost and seen the world shut down
It's a darkness no one knows

And I've poured out the pleasure and dealt with the pain
Standing in a station waiting in the rain
I'm starting to feel a little muscle again
But love is lost like a runaway train
Oh I'm out of control and out of my hands
I'm tearing like a demon through no man's land




Trying to get a grip on my life again
Nothing hits harder than a runaway train

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Kamen's song Runaway Train address themes of personal struggle, both in terms of emotional turmoil and physical circumstances. The singer seems to be grappling with the idea that the road ahead may be difficult to navigate, and their own spirit is in flux. They address the passage of time and the feeling of running ahead of it, while acknowledging past mistakes and the possibility of redemption. The metaphor of a runaway train is employed to suggest a sense of loss of control or direction, potentially as a result of addiction, mental illness, or other personal challenges. The lyrics express a desire to regain a sense of stability and purpose, acknowledging that the road to recovery is not an easy one.


The song was written and performed in 1993, and speaks to a particular cultural moment. Though the themes of personal struggle and self-doubt are timeless, the song was released at a time when the public awareness of issues like drug addiction and mental health was growing. Runaway Train became particularly associated with the issue of missing children, as the music video featured images of missing persons alongside the lyrics. Despite its melancholy subject matter, the song is notable for its hopeful tone, emphasizing the transformative power of love and self-awareness.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a hungry road I can only hope's Gonna eat me up inside
The path ahead is uncertain, and I fear it might consume me


There's a drifting spirit coming clean In the eye of a lifelong fire
Amidst the flames of my existence, a new clarity arises


Tell Monday I'll be around next week I'm running ahead of my days
I am living too fast, too recklessly, but I cannot slow down yet


In the shotgun chance that scattered us I've seen the error of my ways
In the chaos of chance that separated us, I have realized my mistakes


Well we've wrapped ourselves in golden crowns Like sun gods spitting rain
We have falsely glorified ourselves, but our power is fleeting


Found a way home written on this map Like red dye in my veins
I have discovered a path to return to myself, as essential as the blood coursing through my body


In the hardest times that come around The fear of losing grows
In the depths of hardship, I fear losing all that I have gained


I've lost and seen the world shut down It's a darkness no one knows
I have experienced loss and despair that is incomprehensible to others


And I've poured out the pleasure and dealt with the pain Standing in a station waiting in the rain
I have indulged in all the highs and lows, but now I am stuck in limbo, waiting for something to change


I'm starting to feel a little muscle again But love is lost like a runaway train
I am beginning to find strength, but love has escaped me, just like a speeding train


Oh I'm out of control and out of my hands I'm tearing like a demon through no man's land
I feel helpless and wild, running through a desolate landscape


Trying to get a grip on my life again Nothing hits harder than a runaway train
I am struggling to regain my footing, but it feels impossible to stop the momentum of my chaotic life




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD J.P. TAUPIN, BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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