Long Black Train
Moorer Allison Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been walking these mean streets
Hard concrete beneath my feet
Ain't found a friendly face among the crowd
The city's like a Christmas tree
A light for every dreamer's dream
But it seems mine has finally burned out

[Chorus]
Long black train, take me home
I've worn out my welcome here, it's time to go
I have to face the music, this just ain't where I belong
Long black train, take me home

I should've known I was mistaken
When I thought that I'd be making
A name for myself in Babylon
Though I've tried to do my best
The suit and ties are not impressed
So with what's left of my pride, I'll carry on

[Chorus]

I'm gonna trade my guitar for a ticket
Then climb aboard and ride you down the track
I know I'm licked, but it's hard to admit it
Maybe someday you can bring me back

[Chorus]





Long black train, take me home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Allison Moorer's song, Long Black Train, depict the struggles of a musician making it in the big city. The singer is walking through the streets of the city, feeling alone and disconnected. The metaphor of the city as a Christmas tree highlights the possibilities that the city holds for people with dreams, but not for the singer. The line "But it seems mine has finally burned out" reveals the feelings of hopelessness and despair that the singer is experiencing. He knows that it's time for him to leave, and the long black train becomes the symbol of escape and redemption.


The chorus echoes the sentiments of the verses, with the singer beseeching the long black train to take him back home. He has worn out his welcome in the city, and he acknowledges that he doesn't belong here. The line "I have to face the music" is a play on words, as it can refer to the world of music that the singer is part of or the consequences of his actions. Regardless of its interpretation, there is a sense of resignation that permeates this song. The singer is defeated, but he still has hope that the long black train will take him home.


This song is a powerful exploration of the themes of alienation, despair, and redemption. It captures the struggles of every person who has had to leave their comfort zone and face the challenges of a new environment. The long black train serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of music, and the lyrics are a testament to the healing properties of art.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been walking these mean streets
I have been traversing the rough and unpleasant paths of the city.


Hard concrete beneath my feet
My feet have been enduring the harsh and unyielding material of the sidewalks.


Ain't found a friendly face among the crowd
Sadly, I have not come across any amiable individuals in this vicinity.


The city's like a Christmas tree
To many people, this place is akin to a beautifully lit and decorated holiday tree.


A light for every dreamer's dream
There seems to be a ray of hope for every individual's aspirations.


But it seems mine has finally burned out
Unfortunately, it appears that I have lost the drive for my own aspirations.


Long black train, take me home
The dark train, please take me to where I belong.


I've worn out my welcome here, it's time to go
I have overstayed my welcome and must depart now.


I have to face the music, this just ain't where I belong
I must accept the reality that this environment is not where I am supposed to reside.


I should've known I was mistaken
I ought to have been aware that my reasoning was erroneous.


When I thought that I'd be making
I believed that I would accomplish something grand.


A name for myself in Babylon
I thought that I would obtain recognition in this bustling city.


Though I've tried to do my best
I have given my utmost effort.


The suit and ties are not impressed
However, the individuals with authority have not been impressed.


So with what's left of my pride, I'll carry on
Nevertheless, I will persevere with what little dignity I have left.


I'm gonna trade my guitar for a ticket
To leave, I am willing to exchange my cherished guitar for a ticket.


Then climb aboard and ride you down the track
I will take my place inside and travel along the path that you lead me.


I know I'm licked, but it's hard to admit it
Realizing that I have been defeated is difficult to accept.


Maybe someday you can bring me back
Perhaps, at some point in time, you can guide me back here.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALLISON MOORER, DOYLE PRIMM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@lonestarsevillian1633

Pure country, fantastic voice, underrated gem.

@matthewblake3562

Love it exspicaly today is one year anniversary passing of my daddy

More Versions