Nighttrain
Public Enemy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Land of the free
But the skin I'm in identifies me
So the people around me
Energize me
Callin' all aboard this train ride
Talkin' 'bout raw hardcore
Leavin' frauds on the outside
But the bad thing is anyone can ride the train
And the reason
For that is 'cause we look the same
Lookin' all around at my so called friend
Light skin to the brown
The black
Here we go again
Homey over there knows Keith an
But he be thiefin'
I don't trust him
Rather bust 'em
Up out goes his hand and I cough
He once stole from me
Yeah I want to cut it off
The black thing is a ride I call the nighttrain
It rides the good and the bad
We call the monkey trained
Trained to attack the black it's true
'Cause some of them look just like you
Stayin' on the scene
Sittin' on the train
See all the faces
Look about the same
There go the sellout who's takin' a ride like Cargo
'Cause he deal
The keys from Key Largo
Runnin' Nat narcotic
By George he got it
Takin' makin' the G erotic
And the fiends they scheme
So he can put 'em down
But his method is wreck 'em
Put 'em in tha ground
Got tha nerve as hell
To yell brother man
He ain't black man
Known to murder his own
Traitor on the phone
Ridin' the train
Self-hater trained
To sell pain
The master's toy
Little boy
Hard to avoid he look wit' it but he null 'n' void
'Cause he ridin' the train you think he down for the cause
'Cause his face looks just like yours
More of the same insane who sayin'
Like flowin' like night train
Runnin' the pain of the black reign
You look, you laugh
You doubt and go out
And I'm gone
But the bass goes on
To talk the talk, but walk the walk
The king of New York
Crack a lack attack the black
To crack the back
Once again I test a friend wit' sincerity
Or consider him an enemy
Who am I to tell a lie
Rather push da bush
Hope da cracker get crushed
I'm rollin' wit' rush
Leader of the bum rush
Russian I ain't
Spreadin' like paint
Lookin' at the put I got
And its kickin'
But it ain't chicken
But it's livin' for a city
So sick 'n' tired
Of a scene buckwild, piled in a file
Senile or Chile
They said it never been no worser
Than this, I'm on the night train
They hope ya don't miss it
Give ya what dey gotta give you just go
You mustn't just put your
Trust in every brother yo
Some don't give a damn
'Cause they the other man
Worse than a bomb
Posin' as Uncle Toms
Disgracin' the race
Blowin' up
The whole crew




Wit' some of them lookin'
Just like you

Overall Meaning

In the song Nighttrain by Public Enemy, the lyrics speak to the notion of racial identity and the impact it has in society. The "skin I'm in" is used to highlight how a person's skin color can identify them and how society treats people differently based on their skin color. It's a call to action for everyone to take a closer look at themselves and those around them. The nighttrain is a metaphor for society and the people in it, where the good and the bad ride together. The song seeks to expose those who act as traitors to the Black community, and to encourage people to be more mindful of those around them who may not have the best intentions.


The lyrics also touch upon the idea of selling out one's own community for personal gain. It is a reflection on how some Black individuals behave on behalf of the dominant community to gain some benefits, but ultimately betray the community. Hence, the lyrics explain how important it is to be careful in trusting every Black person you come across, as some individuals' intentions may not align with the Black community's betterment.


Overall, the song is a commentary on the impact that racial identity has on individuals, and how it shapes people's perceptions and actions. It calls for everyone to be more mindful of how their actions affect others and to collaborate for the betterment of the Black community.


Line by Line Meaning

Land of the free
Despite living in a country that claims to be free, my physical appearance dictates how I am treated.


But the skin I'm in identifies me
The color of my skin serves as a visible marker that categorizes and defines my identity.


So the people around me
As a result, the people around me react and interact with me based on their stereotypes and biases.


Energize me
Their attitudes and actions towards me fuel a sense of empowerment and determination within me.


Callin' all aboard this train ride
Inviting everyone to join the journey that symbolizes my experience.


Talkin' 'bout raw hardcore
Expressing the unfiltered and authentic nature of my story.


Leavin' frauds on the outside
Exposing and leaving behind those who pretend or deceive.


But the bad thing is anyone can ride the train
Unfortunately, anyone, including those who perpetuate harm and ignorance, can also be a part of this experience.


And the reason
One of the factors contributing to this is the external similarity in appearance.


For that is 'cause we look the same
The shared physical traits make it difficult to distinguish between individuals and their true intentions.


Lookin' all around at my so called friend
Observing and reflecting upon the individuals I consider to be my friends.


Light skin to the brown
From individuals with lighter complexions to those with darker ones.


The black
Referring to people who share the same racial background as me.


Here we go again
Encountering a repetitive pattern or situation.


Homey over there knows Keith an
Referring to someone who claims to be familiar with one of my close friends named Keith.


But he be thiefin'
However, I have noticed that he engages in stealing or dishonest behaviors.


I don't trust him
As a result, I find it difficult to place my trust in him.


Rather bust 'em
I would prefer to expose and confront him.


Up out goes his hand and I cough
When he extends his hand towards me, I feel a reflexive urge to protect myself.


He once stole from me
I have personal experience of him taking something that belonged to me without permission.


Yeah I want to cut it off
In response to his actions, I feel a desire to sever ties or connections with him.


The black thing is a ride I call the nighttrain
Metaphorically describing the experience of being Black as a train journey.


It rides the good and the bad
The train encompasses and includes both positive and negative aspects of Black experiences.


We call the monkey trained
Referring to the oppression and discrimination faced by Black individuals.


Trained to attack the black it's true
Acknowledging the systematic targeting and oppression of Black people.


Cause some of them look just like you
Highlighting the fact that even individuals within the Black community can perpetuate harm and discrimination.


Stayin' on the scene
Remaining present and active in the social and cultural environment.


Sittin' on the train
Metaphorically representing the act of actively participating in the Black experience.


See all the faces
Observing the numerous individuals around me.


Look about the same
Realizing that many of these individuals share similarities in appearance.


There go the sellout who's takin' a ride like Cargo
Identifying someone who has betrayed their own community by siding with those who perpetuate harm.


'Cause he deal
This person is involved in illegal activities.


The keys from Key Largo
Specifically, he is involved in drug dealing, acquiring drugs in Key Largo.


Runnin' Nat narcotic
Engaging in the distribution and sale of narcotics.


By George he got it
Referring to George, who possesses and supplies the narcotics.


Takin' makin' the G erotic
Making a significant amount of money through his illicit activities.


And the fiends they scheme
Addicts and drug users actively plot and plan ways to obtain drugs from him.


So he can put 'em down
He facilitates their destructive habits and addiction.


But his method is wreck 'em
However, his approach ultimately ruins and harms these individuals.


Put 'em in tha ground
Indirectly causing the demise or death of those who fall into addiction.


Got tha nerve as hell
He audaciously has the confidence to.


To yell brother man
Refer to me as 'brother' or 'brother man'.


He ain't black man
However, he is not genuinely aligned with the experiences and struggles of the Black community.


Known to murder his own
He is infamous for harming and killing members of his own community.


Traitor on the phone
Referring to his deceptive activities and communication with others.


Ridin' the train
Participating in the overall experience of being Black.


Self-hater trained
He has internalized self-hatred and aligns himself with those who perpetuate harm.


To sell pain
His actions involve profiting from the pain and suffering of others.


The master's toy
He becomes a tool or pawn manipulated by the oppressor.


Little boy
Metaphorically representing the lack of maturity and understanding of the consequences.


Hard to avoid he look wit' it but he null 'n' void
Difficult to ignore his appearance and actions, but in reality, he lacks genuine meaning or purpose.


'Cause he ridin' the train you think he down for the cause
Just because he is part of the broader Black experience, it does not necessarily mean he supports or fights for the cause.


Cause his face looks just like yours
He shares a physical resemblance with you, but actions speak louder than appearances.


More of the same insane who sayin'
Encountering individuals who repeat the same illogical and damaging viewpoints.


Like flowin' like night train
Their words flow effortlessly and nonsensically, resembling the erratic movement of a night train.


Runnin' the pain of the black reign
Promoting and perpetuating the pain and suffering experienced by the Black community.


You look, you laugh
Some individuals observe and find amusement in the struggles faced by others.


You doubt and go out
They express skepticism and disbelief before distancing themselves.


And I'm gone
Meanwhile, I continue on my journey, unaffected by their dismissive attitudes.


But the bass goes on
Despite their ignorance, the rhythm and strength of my message continue.


To talk the talk, but walk the walk
While they may speak convincingly, they fail to follow through with meaningful action.


The king of New York
Referring to myself as a prominent figure in the city, leading and influencing others.


Crack a lack attack the black
Delivering a powerful attack on the institutional racism and oppression faced by Black individuals.


To crack the back
Symbolically breaking the system and structures that sustain this oppression.


Once again I test a friend wit' sincerity
Continually assessing the genuine loyalty and sincerity of those I consider friends.


Or consider him an enemy
Based on their actions, they may either remain a friend or transition to an enemy.


Who am I to tell a lie
Acknowledging my commitment to truth and honesty.


Rather push da bush
I would prefer to confront and challenge the status quo.


Hope da cracker get crushed
Expressing a desire for the oppressive systems to be dismantled and destroyed.


I'm rollin' wit' rush
Emphasizing my alliance and association with those who share a similar mindset.


Leader of the bum rush
Taking on the role of leading a united and forceful movement for change.


Russian I ain't
Contrary to popular belief, I am not collaborating with the oppressor.


Spreadin' like paint
My message and influence continue to spread and permeate society.


Lookin' at the put I got
Reflecting upon the impact and achievements of my efforts.


And its kickin'
They are effective and resonating with the audience.


But it ain't chicken
However, this success has come with sacrifices and challenges.


But it's livin' for a city
Nevertheless, my purpose and mission are driven by a collective sense of community.


So sick 'n' tired
Experiencing immense exhaustion and frustration.


Of a scene buckwild, piled in a file
Observing and being overwhelmed by the chaotic and oppressive state of affairs.


Senile or Chile
Describing the scene as either senile or resembling the political situation in Chile at the time.


They said it never been no worser
Acknowledging the prevailing belief that the situation has reached a new level of severity.


Than this, I'm on the night train
Emphasizing that I am a participant in the ongoing struggle and resistance.


They hope ya don't miss it
Those in power aim for the suppression and erasure of these experiences.


Give ya what dey gotta give you just go
They provide the bare minimum concessions and expect compliance without questioning.


You mustn't just put your
It is crucial not to completely surrender or lose sight of.


Trust in every brother yo
Blindly trusting every person from your own community.


Some don't give a damn
Unfortunately, some individuals within the community lack concern or empathy.


'Cause they the other man
Their motivations align more with the oppressor, rather than their own community.


Worse than a bomb
Their impact and actions can be more damaging and detrimental than a bomb explosion.


Posin' as Uncle Toms
Acting as deceptive figures who betray the community for personal gain.


Disgracin' the race
Their actions bring shame and dishonor to the entire race.


Blowin' up
Their actions contribute to the destruction and division within the community.


The whole crew
Impacting and harming the entirety of the community.


Wit' some of them lookin'
Some of these individuals share a physical resemblance with me.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMES BROWN, BOBBY BYRD, RONALD R. LENHOFF, CARLTON RIDENHOUR, ROBERTZ, DEPPER, GARY G-WIZ, THE JBL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Joey Brooks

This is an another classic remix by Pete Rock. C.L. Smooth was the guest lyricist on this track with Public Enemy. Terminator X has definitely took the transform scratch to another level on this track. The album version was great as the remix version.

Here is my top five producers in Hip-Hop:
D.J. Premier (Gangstarr)
Dr. Dre (Aftermath)
Marley Marl (The Juice Crew)
Pete Rock (Soul Brother)
Hank Shocklee (The Bomb Squad)

Honorable mention:
Diamond D. (Diggin In The Crates)
Ced-Gee (Ultramagnetic)
D.J. Muggs (Soul Asassins)
Larry Smith (He produced Run-D.M.C. first two albums and Whoudini's first three albums).
Eric Sermon (Def Squad)
RZA (Wu-Tang)
J. Dilla
Large Professor
Rick Rubin (Def Jam)
Prince Paul
Kay Gee (Naughty by Nature)
Daz Dillinger (Dogg pound)



All comments from YouTube:

Terrible.dee

Coming from a white Irishman who lives in LA...This is TRUE BLACK PUNK ROCK, this song breaks more ass than a proctologist, listening to new hip-hop is embarrassing when you hear something this awesome.....BTW I always thought this song was highly underated and one of P.E's best, that third verse gives me goosebumps "Talk the talk an' walk the walk king of New York.." GODDANM! Chuck come back! The world needs you!

jdbankshot

chuck hasn't gone anywhere, he's still as dope as ever. public enemy have released 2 albums in the past 4 years, & chuck is rhyming with b-real of cypress hill in a group called prophets of rage with rage against the machine as the backing band.

Eric Stewart

That takes me back in the spring of 1992 when I was eight years old when this came out. Pete Rock was rising and Public Enemy made their last stand with PE's fourth album Apocalypse '91. Those were the days. You can find that remix on a Vinyl version but not on the album.

Kareem Supreme T.V.

Spring of 92 yes ...Das Efx , X Clan Xodus, and baby got back blew us away.

Eric Stewart

@A slade sweet! Great idea! 

A slade

You can find 4 of the Night Train remixes on the Night Train single CD cause I still have it 

Joey Brooks

This is an another classic remix by Pete Rock. C.L. Smooth was the guest lyricist on this track with Public Enemy. Terminator X has definitely took the transform scratch to another level on this track. The album version was great as the remix version.

Here is my top five producers in Hip-Hop:
D.J. Premier (Gangstarr)
Dr. Dre (Aftermath)
Marley Marl (The Juice Crew)
Pete Rock (Soul Brother)
Hank Shocklee (The Bomb Squad)

Honorable mention:
Diamond D. (Diggin In The Crates)
Ced-Gee (Ultramagnetic)
D.J. Muggs (Soul Asassins)
Larry Smith (He produced Run-D.M.C. first two albums and Whoudini's first three albums).
Eric Sermon (Def Squad)
RZA (Wu-Tang)
J. Dilla
Large Professor
Rick Rubin (Def Jam)
Prince Paul
Kay Gee (Naughty by Nature)
Daz Dillinger (Dogg pound)

DLCOrganization

This SHOULD HAVE been the album version for real!

Olivier Velay

PE for life, I concur...

Olivier Velay

Mais grave !! On reconnait CL Smooth direct...

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