This Train
Peter Lyrics


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This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.
This train don't carry no gamblers,
No crap shooters, no midnight ramblers,
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.

This train, don't carry no jokers, well, this train.
This train, don't carry no jokers, well, this train.
This train, don't carry no jokers,
No high-tone women, no cigar smokers, well
This train, don't carry no jokers, well, this train.

This train, done carried my mother, well, this train.
This train, done carried my mother, well, this train.
This train, done carried my mother,
My mother, my father, my sister and my brother,
This train, done carried my mother, well this train.

This train, she's bound for glory, well, this train
This train, she's bound for glory, well, this train
This train, she's bound for glory, well, this train
This train, she's bound for glory,




If you want to get to heaven then you've got to be holy, well,
This train, she's bound for glory, well, this train

Overall Meaning

The song "This Train" by Peter, Paul, and Mary is a gospel-inspired tune that celebrates the idea of a train that carries only those who are righteous and avoid vices that might cause harm to themselves or others. The repeated refrain, "This train don't carry no gamblers, no jokers, no midnight ramblers," reflects the idea of living a righteous life free from the vices that gambling or shameless behaviour might bring. At the start of the song, the singer emphasizes that this train which is spoken of carries no gamblers. This can be seen as a metaphor where "gamblers" refers to people who take wild chances in life and don't properly weigh up their options before committing to something. The train carries only people who have thought through their actions in a rational way, people who don't make impulsive choices that could lead to negative consequences.


Moreover, the song's message of running towards salvation or righteousness is made clear in the final lines. The train is headed towards glory and to get there, one has to be holy. This is a religious message that exhorts people to live righteously if they want to reach heaven. The train metaphor is used to illustrate that it is a long journey that requires commitment and dedication. It is not enough to merely avoid the vices that are mentioned; one must walk the path of righteousness.


Line by Line Meaning

This train don't carry no gamblers, this train.
This train does not allow any gamblers on board.


No crap shooters, no midnight ramblers,
No one who plays games of chance or stays up late is allowed on board.


This train, don't carry no jokers, well, this train.
This train does not tolerate any foolish behavior.


No high-tone women, no cigar smokers, well
No one wearing fancy clothes or smoking cigars is allowed on board.


This train, done carried my mother, well, this train.
This train has carried my loved ones in the past.


My mother, my father, my sister and my brother,
My entire family has ridden on this train before.


This train, she's bound for glory, well, this train
This train is headed towards a better place.


If you want to get to heaven then you've got to be holy, well,
To reach a better place, you must be a righteous person.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER SEEGER, TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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