Mystery Train
The Tractors Lyrics


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In nineteen fifty-six, the United States of America
Dropped a hi-fi needle on rock and roll
And coast to coast, we started shakin' all over
One nation, under God, out of control

[Chorus]
It's The Elvis Thing
It cuts right through you
It tangles you up inside, turns your world upside down
Like a mystery train, screamin' through the night
There ain't nothin' been the same since The Elvis Thing been around

I grew up drivin' a tractor and playin' electric guitar
It's a strange road full of detours and twists and turns
And when I ask myself why I do what I do
The answer is simple, there's a reason my earthly heart burns

[Chorus]

Come on, love me tender
Come on, come on, love me true
Just like The Elvis Thing got a hold on me
I wanna get a hold of you

When they write the history books and try to explain
The second half of the twentieth century
They'll talk about puttin' a man on the moon
They'll talk about Vietnam
They'll talk about Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy
(But you know what they'll really be talkin' about)

[Chorus]

Like a mystery train, screamin' through the night




There ain't nothin' been the same since
The Elvis Thing been around

Overall Meaning

The Tractors's "Mystery Train" is a song that explores the impact of Elvis Presley's music on American culture. The lyrics reference the year 1956, which is often seen as the time when Elvis began to dominate the music scene and become a cultural phenomenon. The song's narrator describes the effect of Elvis's music as being like a "mystery train" that is "screaming through the night," disrupting the status quo and changing everything in its path.


The first verse of the song sets the scene by referencing the United States dropping a "hi-fi needle on rock and roll." The use of the phrase "hi-fi needle" demonstrates the impact that technological advancements had on the music industry during this time, and highlights how the accessibility of rock and roll music was changing the way people perceived music. The chorus reinforces the idea that Elvis's music was a game-changer, cutting right through people and turning their world upside down.


The second verse of the song is deeply personal, with the singer describing his own journey through life. He grew up "driving a tractor and playing electric guitar," a vivid picture of a rural life that was about to be changed forever by Elvis's music. He acknowledges that his path has been full of twists and turns, but ultimately he is drawn to music because it sets his heart on fire.


Overall, "Mystery Train" is a celebration of Elvis Presley's impact on American culture, and a recognition of the way in which he changed the music industry forever.


Line by Line Meaning

In nineteen fifty-six, the United States of America
The year 1956 marked the beginning of rock and roll music in America.


Dropped a hi-fi needle on rock and roll
The introduction and acceptance of rock and roll music was like a needle dropping onto a record player.


And coast to coast, we started shakin' all over
The popularity of rock and roll music swept across America, causing excitement and widespread dancing.


One nation, under God, out of control
Despite the traditional values and religious beliefs of the nation, rock and roll music caused a feeling of frenzy and chaos.


It's The Elvis Thing
The impact and influence of Elvis Presley and his music.


It cuts right through you
Elvis's music creates a strong emotional response in listeners.


It tangles you up inside, turns your world upside down
Elvis's music can bring up conflicting feelings and drastically change one's perspective on things.


Like a mystery train, screamin' through the night
Elvis's impact on music and culture can be compared to a train rushing through the night in a thrilling and mysterious way.


There ain't nothin' been the same since The Elvis Thing been around
Since Elvis Presley's rise to fame, the world of music and culture has been forever changed and influenced by his legacy.


I grew up drivin' a tractor and playin' electric guitar
The artist grew up in a rural setting with a love for both farming and music, which may seem like an odd combination.


It's a strange road full of detours and twists and turns
The journey of pursuing a career in both farming and music has been unpredictable and full of unexpected obstacles.


And when I ask myself why I do what I do
The artist sometimes questions their own motivations for pursuing both farming and music.


The answer is simple, there's a reason my earthly heart burns
The artist is driven by a powerful passion for both farming and music that cannot be easily explained.


Come on, love me tender
The artist references one of Elvis's famous songs, expressing a desire for tenderness and affection.


Come on, come on, love me true
The artist wants love and authenticity from their romantic partner, similar to the qualities expressed in Elvis's music.


Just like The Elvis Thing got a hold on me
The artist is consumed by the influence of Elvis and his music on their own life and career.


When they write the history books and try to explain
In the future, when historians reflect on the second half of the twentieth century...


The second half of the twentieth century
The time period spanning from 1950-2000.


They'll talk about puttin' a man on the moon
Historians will likely reference the significant achievement of the Apollo space program in 1969.


They'll talk about Vietnam
Historians will discuss the Vietnam War and its impact on American society during the 1960s and 70s.


They'll talk about Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy
Historians will highlight the influential lives and tragic assassinations of these two famous leaders in the 1960s.


(But you know what they'll really be talkin' about)
Despite these major events and figures, historians will likely focus a lot of attention on the impact and legacy of Elvis Presley and his music.


Like a mystery train, screamin' through the night
Repeating the comparison of Elvis's influence to a train rushing through the night with excitement and intrigue.


There ain't nothin' been the same since
Reiterating that Elvis's impact on music and culture has been long-lasting and transformative.


The Elvis Thing been around
Using the term 'The Elvis Thing' to encapsulate the cultural revolution and influence sparked by Elvis Presley and his music.




Lyrics © FAST GIRL MUSIC
Written by: D.J. FONTANA, JAMES BURTON, SCOTTY MOORE, STEVE RIPLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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