Don't Stop Believin'
R.F.B. Lyrics
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She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night, night
Streetlights, people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night, night
Streetlights, people, living just to find emotion
Hiding, somewhere in the night
The opening lines of R.F.B.'s "Don't Stop Believin'" present us with two protagonists - a small town girl and a city boy - who are seemingly searching for something more in life. The fact that the girl is living in a "lonely world" suggests that she may be feeling isolated or disconnected from those around her. Similarly, the fact that the boy is "born and raised in south Detroit" implies that he is maybe looking for an escape from his everyday life.
The two of them take the same midnight train, each heading towards an unknown destination - "anywhere". This ambiguity of their destination makes their journey seem more significant - they are not just going somewhere, they are seeking something. The mention of a "singer in a smokey room, a smell of wine and cheap perfume" creates an image of a romantic, almost cinematic setting. The idea of two strangers sharing a smile for just one night implies a fleeting connection, something that is both beautiful and bittersweet, as the song reminds us that "it goes on and on and on and on".
The chorus of "Don't Stop Believin'" further emphasizes the theme of searching and hoping. The "strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard" who are "living just to find emotion" are seeking something that they can't quite put into words - but they know it's worth searching for. The setting of night and streetlights create a sense of mystery and possibility, which adds to the feeling of hope that carries throughout the song. Ultimately, "Don't Stop Believin'" is a song about the search for something more, a desire to connect with others and to feel alive.
Line by Line Meaning
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
This woman comes from a small town and feels lonely in the world.
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
She decided to take a chance and leave her small town by taking a midnight train to anywhere.
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
This man is from South Detroit, born and raised in the city.
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Similarly to the woman, he also decides to take a risk and leave his life behind by taking the midnight train to anywhere.
A singer in a smokey room
There's a singer performing in a room filled with smoke.
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
The air in the room is filled with the scent of wine and inexpensive perfume.
For a smile they can share the night
The people in the room are looking to find joy and connection with each other for the night.
It goes on and on and on and on
The night and the joy it brings feels endless, and it goes on and on and on.
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard
There are people waiting for something, lined up along the street.
Their shadows searching in the night, night
The people are searching for something, which is represented by their shadows in the night.
Streetlights, people, living just to find emotion
The people are living their lives, hoping to feel emotions and find meaning.
Hiding, somewhere in the night
The emotions and meaning they seek are not always easy to find, and can be hidden somewhere in the night.
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
This line is repeated from the beginning, highlighting the woman's loneliness and her desire for something more.
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
This line is repeated to emphasize her bravery and willingness to take a chance and pursue a more fulfilling life.
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit
This line is also repeated to emphasize his background and the commonality he shares with the woman.
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
This line is repeated to show that both the woman and the man are taking the same chance, embarking on a journey to find something more.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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