This Train is perhaps best known as Rich Mullins' opening act for several of his final tours. Robertson also became a member of Mullins' A Ragamuffin Band. Following the "break up" of This Train, Robertson went on to becoming a founding member of The Legendary Shack Shakers, a punkabilly band based in Nashville. He also continues to produce Christian artists: specifically, a release by a man who lived through the accident that took Rich Mullins' life, Mitch McVicker.
Mimes Of The Old West
This Train Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one was amused
They'd get themselves all trapped inside invisible boxes
At best, they'd seem confused
Yeah, but you've got to respect them
Sure, they were weird
These were the true pioneers
No one had it harder
These boys passed the test
No one got beat up more often than the mimes of the Old West
Well, people these days
They feel so sorry for themselves
Think they've got it hard
Try walking through Dodge City in the 1800s dressed in a unitard
And though the odds were against them, they would prevail
They knew they just couldn't fail
No one had it harder
Rightfully so, I guess
No one got beat up more often than the mimes of the Old West
They stood there blind to the hatred
On with the show
They paved the way for the great Marcel Marceau
The lyrics to This Train's song Mimes Of The Old West are a tribute to the often misunderstood art form of miming. The song describes the struggles of the mimes during the Old West period, where they performed in theaters and on street corners, often met with disapproving stares from the crowd. The first verse describes the mimes performing their imaginary routines with imaginary props, only to be met with little enthusiasm or amusement from their audience. They continue to push through, even when they become stuck in their own invisible boxes or imaginary ropes.
The chorus praises the mimes, stating that despite being weird and earning little respect, they were the true pioneers. In times when no one had it harder, they passed the test and emerged victorious. Nobody was beaten up more often than the mimes of the Old West. They persevered through the difficulties and paved the way for future generations of mime artists. The bridge states that despite the odds, the mimes were always successful because they knew they just couldn't fail. They were blind to the hatred and instead focused on their performances and art, paving the way for legendary mime artists like Marcel Marceau.
Interestingly, the song is not only a tribute to mimes but also a commentary on modern-day society. The lyrics suggest that people nowadays feel sorry for themselves and think they have it hard when, in reality, they haven't experienced the same level of hardship that the mimes of the Old West did. The song is a reminder to appreciate the struggles of those who came before us and to respect those who pursued their passions despite being met with resistance.
Line by Line Meaning
They'd throw imaginary ropes around imaginary cattle
They would mimic ranch work by pretending to rope cattle
No one was amused
Their performances did not bring about any laughter or enjoyment
They'd get themselves all trapped inside invisible boxes
They would act as though they were stuck inside nonexistent containers
At best, they'd seem confused
At most, they appeared to be bewildered by their own acts
Yeah, but you've got to respect them
Despite their odd performances, they still deserve admiration
Sure, they were weird
Admittedly, their behavior was peculiar
These were the true pioneers
These performers were the original trailblazers in their art form
No one had it harder
There were no other performers who faced greater difficulties
These boys passed the test
These male performers successfully overcame the challenges they encountered
No one got beat up more often than the mimes of the Old West
These mimes were frequently subjected to acts of violence
Well, people these days
Modern individuals
They feel so sorry for themselves
They often express self-pity
Think they've got it hard
They believe their problems are significant
Try walking through Dodge City in the 1800s dressed in a unitard
Experience the challenges faced by performers in the Old West, outfitted in a particular type of costume
And though the odds were against them, they would prevail
Despite facing unfavorable circumstances, they would ultimately triumph
They knew they just couldn't fail
They had an unwavering confidence in their own abilities, even when facing adversity
Rightfully so, I guess
Perhaps it is justifiable that they experienced significant opposition
They stood there blind to the hatred
They did not allow themselves to be affected by the acrimonious attitude of others
On with the show
They continued with their performances, regardless of obstacles
They paved the way for the great Marcel Marceau
Their performances laid the foundation for the renowned Marcel Marceau to follow in their footsteps
Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
EVERGREEN
0:00 Hanger 84
2:37 We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)
6:21 The Missing Link
9:52 Who's Stopping You
13:02 Mimes Of The Old West
16:19 A Million Years
19:23 I Saw The Light
22:14 Seafoam Green
23:53 I Don't Want To Know
28:41 Sandee
29:50 The Wailing Wall
33:19 I've Got Half A Mind
36:42 Goodbye
42:21 Bonus
Miss Chris
Am still a diehard This Train fan after 21 years. This album and the other TT albums are in my COVID-19 "Sanity Saving" care kit. Still have the 3 TT CDs and dusted them off last week and played in an old- fashioned boombox that is loud and bass driven enough to blow the neighbors out of the water. I asked a friend of Mark R. why the ever classic TT albums aren't on Spotify/Apple Music/Amazon Unlimited Music, never got an answer. I guard these three CDs with my life. I've got them backed up on mulitiple hard drives and flash storage. We put pink flamingos all around the yard and pipe TT music at the front door on Halloween, alternated with polkas (polka music is HAPPY music!) and Swiss and Austrian yodeling. Needless to say, we are popular... except for the vicious, human-eating Great Danes from Hades two doors down. We still love you, Mark Robertson, Jordan Richter, and Cobra Joe. Missing the merry mayhem that was the This Train list on Yahoo Groups eons ago. Give my regards to the Niceness Sheriff and all others who keep their unitards under lock and key lest they be institutionalized. Rest in peace, Rick Elias, who does a cameo on the Mimes album.
B Prathe
Still one of my favorite albums. Very talented writer deserves much more recognition from Nashville. Thank you Mark for great memories
Russ T. Shipp
This is my favorite album of all time. Seriously.
Miss Chris
Is that you, Mr. Styrofoam Undies?! God bless you!
Russ T. Shipp
@Miss Chris Hey! Yes it is, Miss Chris! haha. Good to hear from you! :)
Salty Larry
Thanks for the opportunity to listen to this one. Will have to add it to my shopping list. I've had You're Soaking In It since it was out.
LaVera Parato
Goodbye is such a great song!
David Larkin
Thanks, this isn't available on Spotify