Mystery Train
The Band w/ Paul Butterfield Lyrics
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Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long
Well, that long black train take my baby and gone
Mystery train, rollin' down the track
Mystery train, rollin' down the track
Well, it took my baby, people it won't be coming back
Train, train, rollin' 'round the bend
Well, it took my baby, people it won't be back again
Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long
Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long
Well, that long black train take my baby and gone
The lyrics to The Band & Paul Butterfield's song "Mystery Train" paint a picture of a long train rolling down the track taking the singer's loved one away from them. The repeated verses of "Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long" emphasize the enormity of the train and the finality of the loved one's departure. The use of the phrase "mystery train" adds an element of uncertainty and intrigue, as the singer is left wondering where the train is headed and why their loved one had to leave.
The repetition of the lines "Well, it took my baby, people it won't be coming back" and "Well, that long black train take my baby and gone" create a mournful tone and express the singer's deep sense of loss. The use of the word "baby" adds a level of tenderness and intimacy to the lyrics, making the loss all the more palpable.
Overall, "Mystery Train" is a classic blues song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and longing. The train symbolizes the inevitability of change and the singer's inability to control the situation, making the loss all the more painful.
Line by Line Meaning
Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long
A train has arrived with sixteen cars and it is long.
Well, that long black train take my baby and gone
My loved one has left on the train and I don't know where they are going.
Mystery train, rollin' down the track
An unknown train is moving along the tracks.
Well, it took my baby, people it won't be coming back
My loved one has left on the train and they will not be returning.
Train, train, rollin' 'round the bend
The train is rounding a bend in the tracks.
Well, it took my baby, people it won't be back again
My loved one has left on the train and they will not be returning.
Train arrive, it's sixteen coaches long
A train has arrived with sixteen cars and it is long.
Well, that long black train take my baby and gone
My loved one has left on the train and I don't know where they are going.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Herman Parker Jr., Sam Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lvlimo394
In the midst of Butterfield's blazing harmonica and Levon's great vocal, Robbie's blistering performance throughout is almost overlooked. Almost.
@davidbartley989
Levon is amazing. He is "in the zone" with this song!
@tattyshoesshigure5731
The best version of this great song I’ve ever heard… just amazing! Paul Butterfield’s harmonica playing is phenomenal, so nice to see that broad grin Levon flashes him… like “yeah… I’m really digging this man!”
@johncopeland3826
Listen to Robbie's unbelievable rhythm guitar all through this song ! Quite magical .
@peterwalsh5068
Mr Butterfield man. No one played the harp like this geezer xxxx
@fblauer
So many highlights to a great concert.
@veronicatyler8109
Sonny Boy would be so PROUD
@emospiderbutton
What a tune
@tomstack5285
Garth is amazing! That jews harp sound is great!
@mikeevans5810
Butterfield was the best