The original band line-up consisted of Perry, singer Ralph Morman, bassist David Hull and drummer Ronnie Stewart. This line-up recorded The Project's 1980 debut album, Let the Music Do the Talking, which was produced by long-time Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas. The album was fairly well received and sold a respectable 250,000 copies in the US.
During the tour in support of the album, Morman was fired and replaced by Joey Mala, who lasted until the end of the tour, when he in turn was replaced by singer and rhythm guitarist Charlie Farren. This line-up recorded one album, I've Got the Rock'n'Rolls Again, which was released to little attention in 1981. Columbia's reluctance to promote the album combined with Perry's continuing drug problems led to Perry's firing the entire band in 1982.
Equipped with a new record label (MCA Records) and three new band members in singer Cowboy Mach Bell, bassist Danny Hargrove and drummer Joe Pet, the band released Once a Rocker, Always a Rocker in 1983. The album met the same fate as its predecessor, selling a meager 40,000 copies without any promotion whatsoever. Despite the poor sales, The Project went out on a final tour in support of the album, adding then ex-Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford to the line-up. The following year, both Perry and Whitford would rejoin Aerosmith for a very successful reunion, at which point The Project had been disbanded.
A compilation album, The Best of the Joe Perry Project, was released by an Australian Indie Record label in 1999.
Rockin' Train
The Joe Perry Project Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the train leaves the station
Everybody's got to be on board
Get on board-all aboard
Get on board-all aboard
We got a smokin' locomotive
Rollin' on that party track
Heart attack-party-track
Chorus:
It's a rockin' train, funky thing
On your way, on the train tonight
On your way, on the train tonight
When you hear that whistle blow
Got to get your ticket right on time
Get in line, right on time
Get in line, right on time
We'll get a full head of steam
And keep a smokin' tokin' down the line
Feelin' fine, down the line
Feelin' fine, down the line
Chorus.
When the train leaves the station
Everybody's got to be on board
Get on board-all aboard
Get on board-all aboard
We got a smokin' locomotive
Rollin' on that party track
Heart attack-party-track
Heart attack-party-track
Chorus.
End.
The Joe Perry Project's song "Rockin' Train" is a high-energy rock and roll track that celebrates the power and excitement of a steam engine train. The opening lyric "When the train leaves the station, everybody's got to be on board" sets the tone for the song, suggesting that the train is a symbol of unity and community. The repetition of "Get on board-all aboard" reinforces this idea, encouraging listeners to join in and become part of the ride.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the train itself, with Perry and co-writer Ralph Mormon describing it as a "smokin' locomotive" that is "rollin' on that party track." The use of words like "heart attack" and "feelin' fine" heightens the sense of excitement and danger, as if being on the train is a thrilling and potentially risky experience.
The chorus of "It's a rockin' train, funky thing, on your way, on the train tonight" encapsulates the central message of the song, urging listeners to climb aboard and enjoy the ride. Overall, "Rockin' Train" is a classic rock anthem that celebrates the power of music and locomotion, inviting listeners to join in and enjoy the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
When the train leaves the station
As soon as the train sets off on its journey
Everybody's got to be on board
Every passenger must be present and in their seats before the train starts moving
Get on board-all aboard
Hurry up and get on the train, it's time to depart
Get on board-all aboard
A repeat of the same sentiment, encouraging everyone to board the train
We got a smokin' locomotive
The engine is powerful and impressive
Rollin' on that party track
The train is moving on a fun and exciting route
Heart attack-party-track
Comparing the excitement of the experience to a heart attack
Heart attack-party-track
Repeating the same comparison to emphasize the intense and thrilling nature of the journey
Chorus:
The repeated part of the song that emphasizes the rockin' and funky vibe of the train ride
It's a rockin' train, funky thing
The train is a fun and lively experience, full of music and energy
On your way, on the train tonight
Encouraging listeners to join in on the excitement and take the train ride
On your way, on the train tonight
Repeated for emphasis
When you hear that whistle blow
The train is about to leave the station, so be ready to board
Got to get your ticket right on time
Make sure you have your ticket and are ready before the train starts moving
Get in line, right on time
Join the queue to board the train at the right moment
Get in line, right on time
Repeated to emphasize the importance of being punctual
We'll get a full head of steam
Once the train is moving, it will pick up speed and momentum
And keep a smokin' tokin' down the line
The train will continue to be fast and exciting throughout the journey
Feelin' fine, down the line
The experience will be enjoyable and satisfying
Feelin' fine, down the line
Repeated for emphasis
Chorus.
The fun and energetic part of the song is repeated again
When the train leaves the station
Repeating the opening line of the song to signify the end of the journey as well
Everybody's got to be on board
The same sentiment is repeated to emphasize the importance of everyone disembarking safely
Get on board-all aboard
The final call to action to make sure everyone gets off the train
Get on board-all aboard
Repeating the same sentiment for emphasis
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOE PERRY, RALPH MORMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind