Train in Vain
The Clash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me something I don't understand
You said you love me and that's a fact
And then you left me, said you felt trapped
Well, some things you can explain away
But the heartache's in me 'til this day
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
All the times
When we were close
I'll remember these things the most
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I can't be happy without you around
So alone I keep the wolves at bay
And there's only one thing I can say
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Now I got a job
But it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay
But without all of these things I can do
But without your love I won't make it through
But you don't understand my point of view
I suppose there's nothing I can do
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
The Clash's "Train in Vain" is a song about heartbreak and betrayal. The singer is questioning his lover's feelings for him and accuses her of leaving him stranded without a support system. The song's opening line, "You say you stand by your man, tell me something I don't understand," is a direct challenge to the woman's loyalty. The singer is perplexed that she would leave him even though she professed her love for him.
The song's chorus, "You didn't stand by me, no, not at all, you didn't stand by me, no way," is a repeated accusation of betrayal. The singer is bitter that his lover abandoned him and he is struggling to move on without her. He reminisces about the good times they had together, but he cannot ignore the heartache he is experiencing because of her betrayal.
The bridge of the song, "Now I got a job, but it don't pay, I need new clothes, I need somewhere to stay," is a cry for help. The singer is admitting that he is struggling to survive without his lover's support. He is willing to make do with less, but he is heartbroken that he has lost the love and companionship he once had.
Overall, "Train in Vain" is a poignant and emotional song that captures the feelings of heartbreak and abandonment. The singer's pain is palpable, and his raw emotions make the song a classic that has resonated with fans for decades.
Line by Line Meaning
You say you stand by your man
You claim to support your significant other in all situations
Tell me something I don't understand
Enlighten me on an aspect of this that I still don't comprehend
You said you love me and that's a fact
You expressed your feelings of genuine affection towards me explicitly
And then you left me, said you felt trapped
Subsequently, you abandoned me with an explanation that you no longer felt free in this relationship
Well, some things you can explain away
Certain things can be excused or justified
But the heartache's in me 'til this day
However, the emotional pain I experienced still lingers
You didn't stand by me
You did not support me
No, not at all
Not even in the slightest
All the times
Every instance
When we were close
When we had a strong relationship
I'll remember these things the most
I will hold onto these memories more than any others
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I am witnessing all of my aspirations falling apart
I can't be happy without you around
I am unable to feel contentment unless you are present
So alone I keep the wolves at bay
I am forced to fend off challenges and adversaries by myself
And there's only one thing I can say
In this situation, I can only come up with one statement
You must explain why this must be
You need to clarify the reasoning behind your actions
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you make false statements to me?
Now I got a job
I currently have employment
But it don't pay
However, it provides low income
I need new clothes
I require additional clothing
I need somewhere to stay
I am in need of a place to reside
But without all of these things I can do
However, I am capable of functioning without all of these possessions
But without your love I won't make it through
But I will not be able to endure without your affection
But you don't understand my point of view
You are unable to see things from my perspective
I suppose there's nothing I can do
Therefore, there might not be any applicable solution
Did you stand by me?
Did you support me?
No way
Definitely not
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@かたふちしょうへい
Say you stand by your man
Tell me something I don't understand
You said you love me and that's a fact
Then you left me, said you felt trapped
Well some things you can explain away
But my heartaches in me till this day
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
All the times
When we were close
I'll remember these things the most
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I can't be happy without you around
So all alone I keep the wolves at bay
And the only one thing that I can say
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Now I got a job
But it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay
But without all these things I can do
But without your love, I won't make it through
But you don't understand my point of view
I suppose there's nothing I can do
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
@TheRealForrestGeorge
Say you stand by your man
Tell me something I don't understand
You said you love me and that's a fact
Then you left me, said you felt trapped
Well some things you can explain away
But my heartache's in me till this day
[Chorus]
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
All the times
When we were close
I'll remember these things the most
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I won't be happy without you around
So all alone I keep the wolves at bay
There is only one thing that I can say
[Chorus]
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Now I got a job
But it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay
But without all these things I can do
But without your love I won't make it through
But you don't understand my point of view
I suppose there's nothing I can do
[Chorus]
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
Did you stand by me
No, not at all
Did you stand by me
No way
@butchweatherly7976
My name is Butch Weatherly and I am genuinely happy to be listening to this wonderful song very, very loud on Sunday, February 25,2024 in Kihei Maui. This song has always warmed my heart and soothed my soul and I sincerely wish nothing but Peace, Happiness, and Prosperity to all who read this. Take Care and I genuinely Love you all! Respectfully and with The Warmest of Aloha , Butch Weatherly
@krisgoldsmith476
Sounds like you've been day drinking. 😀
@DigAPonyY
@@krisgoldsmith476yeah but butch is in Hawaii. That's absolutely warranted.
@rangoononline
Keep rockin bro
@shawnwright5332
👍🇨🇦
@a.fitzpatrick4395
Thanks Butch ......same to you !
@niteprowler709
The riff, the drums, lyrics. Everything in this song is excellent craftsmanship
@mos2.energy429
The harmonica
@funkedelic4993
Yes! The harmonica.
@markusb.6667
i always thought that the clash were the best musicians in the punk genre