Biography
A former football player, Nicolai was signed by the Telegram label of Warner records, releasing two albums that did not sell enough copies to enable him to give up his part-time job as a gardener.
A meeting with Ebbot Lundberg of the Swedish band Soundtrack of our Lives led to two further albums, a tour with Emiliana Torrini and the use of one of his songs in an advertisement for an oil company. This small influx of cash enabled the production of a trio of vinyl albums with the Esbjörn Svensson jazz trio.
This steady production of somewhat experimental acoustic music attracted the attention of Americana luminaries Will Oldham and Jonathan Donahue, and a contract with the Dolores Recordings branch of Virgin Records followed. The first album on this label, Soul Rush with backing from the Esbjörn Svensson trio attracted some limited attention in 2001, but the next album, 2003's Tranquil Isolation, achieved widespread, especially thanks to its input from Will Oldham.
A third album, Here's My Song, You Can Have It followed in 2004.
He is currently touring the USA with Mercury Rev.
Dr Zjivago Train
Nicolai Dunger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
through the sound of change
And tell those boys back in town
that there will be a call
Oooo train is comin' on
Oooo train is comin' on
A train is comin' your way
and it sounds like,
or why not through your heart
It makes us see the strengh that surrounds us in all
our failures
Just like the train in the film Doctor Zhivago
Oooo train is comin' on
Oooo train is comin' on
A train is comin' your way
and it sounds like,
just like a chade straight through the season
And without a reason, it just blows away
'cause you like the sound of it
It sounds like this....
The song "Dr Zjivago Train" by Nicolai Dunger is a poetic representation of the power of change and the impact it can have on one's life. The lyrics suggest that while change may be challenging, it also presents opportunities, represented by the train, that allow individuals to tap into a strength that may not have been accessible before. The train is portrayed as a force that is capable of breaking through the monotony of everyday life and inspiring individuals to pursue something greater.
The use of the reference to "Doctor Zhivago" in the song adds a layer of complexity and depth to the message. The train in the film represents the shifting political and social landscape of the time and the transformation of society. In the same way, the train in the song symbolizes the transformation of the individual and their ability to harness their inner strength and embrace change. The lyrics encourage listeners to hold on and face the challenges of change, recognizing that it will bring about growth and transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on, when the train is moving through the sound of change
Stay strong and brace yourself when the train of progress is moving through the changes happening in your life
And tell those boys back in town that there will be a call
Spread the word to those who are not on the journey yet that there is a call to be answered
Oooo train is comin' on
The excitement and anticipation of the train's arrival
A train is comin' your way and it sounds like, just like a chase straight through the season or why not through your heart
The train's arrival signifies a chase through the changes of the season or through the emotions of one's heart
It makes us see the strength that surrounds us in all our failures
The train's arrival provides perspective to see the strength that is present even in times of failure
Just like the train in the film Doctor Zhivago
The train is a symbol of hope and change, as seen in the film Doctor Zhivago
And without a reason, it just blows away 'cause you like the sound of it
Sometimes we are drawn to the excitement and energy of change and progress, even if there is no specific reason for it
It sounds like this....
The train's arrival is accompanied by a powerful and exciting sound
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICOLAI DUNGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SetlistMedia
Both this and the RP version have a sense of randomness and constant motion. Effectively emulates a train like so many songs but picks up the random passing scenery like no other.
@plongo
mad time signature, love it
@ternitamas
did you figure it out? I hear some 5/4 and 6/8 at the beginning then I'm lost haha
@colinwright4139
I prefer this to RP, and RP is my all time favourite, probably the only person who could cover this ridiculous time signature.
@andrewtaylor7484
Giants walk among us people. Give your head a shake and listen up.
@Crisis.Knight
The Robert Palmer's version has something in his voice that I like it more than this, I'm not quite sure if this is better .
@jillsmcfarland2001
No train or harmonica.
@arrowfinley
Like this original version better than Robert Palmer's. Gets real jazzy toward the end.
@katharinecarreaux9990
What inspired you to write about Dr Zhivago. ( from a long time fan of the Pasternaks and Palmer)
@ternitamas
what meter is this in? driving me crazy!