Freight Train
Peter Paul and Mary Lyrics

The lyrics of Peter, Paul and Mary's song "Freight Train" paint a picture of a person running away on a freight train to escape something or someone, and longing to return back to their hometown someday. The chorus of the song contains the repetition of the phrase "Freight train, freight train, going so fast," which adds to the sense of urgency and speed of the train that the singer is riding.

The first verse talks about not wanting people to know which train the singer is on to keep their destination a secret. This secrecy could be because they are running away from something or someone, or because they want a new start in a different place that is unknown to others. The second verse expresses the singer's desire to eventually return back to their hometown, indicating that they have fond memories and a sense of belonging there.

The third verse is where the singer expresses their longing to see the Blue Ridge Mountains for one last time before they die. The image of the mountains climbing high creates a sense of nostalgia and the desire to go back to the places where our fondest memories were made. The final verse talks about the singer's wish to be buried near Bleecker Street so that they can hear the sound of "ol' number nine" train passing by. This adds to the sense of attachment and longing that the singer has for trains and the freedom they bring.

Overall, the lyrics of "Freight Train" are evocative of a sense of adventure, freedom, and the longing to return to the familiar. The song captures the spirit of wanderlust and the desire to explore new horizons.