Van Dyke Parks (born January 3, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA) is a… Read Full Bio ↴Van Dyke Parks (born January 3, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA) is an American composer, arranger, producer, instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, author, and actor based in Pasadena, California. Parks is perhaps best known for his collaborations with musician Brian Wilson, and especially for his lyrical contributions to The Beach Boys' legendary Smile album.

Among the hundreds of artists he's worked with include Phil Ochs, Tim Buckley, Haruomi Hosono, The Byrds, Rufus Wainwright, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, U2, Joanna Newsom, Inara George, Keith Moon, Frank Zappa, Harpers Bizarre, Little Feat, Ringo Starr, Silverchair, and Skrillex.

In addition to producing, Parks has released seven studio albums of his own recordings: Song Cycle, Discover America, Clang of the Yankee Reaper, Jump!, Tokyo Rose, Songs Cycled, and with Brian Wilson, Orange Crate Art. He has also released a live album, Moonlighting: Live at the Ash Grove. His first official release was the 1966 single Number Nine, a modernized version of Beethoven's 9th backed with Do What You Wanta.

Parks has also established himself in film scores, and over the years has directed, arranged, produced, and composed soundtracks for a great number of motion pictures and television shows.

During his childhood, Parks became extremely fond of old-style American music, most notably the sounds of Tin Pan Alley. This interest in Depression-era songwriting would correlate heavily with his artistic goals and interests during the 1960s and beyond. He was also deeply affected by musicians Spike Jones and Les Paul, which led him to develop an interest with studio experimentation in the form of pop music.

Soul Train
Van Dyke Parks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Roberts

This train is leavin'
Trip 'round the world
Before you join in
Be sure you have soul
Stop hesitating and get in the groove
The engine is reavin'

Be ready to move

Soul train, soul train
Coming down the track
Coming down the track
Soul train, soul train
Coming down the track
Coming down the track

Coming down the track
Coming down the track
Coming down the track
Coming down the track

Let's have some action
Come, form a line
Let's see a motion
In front and behind
Make sure your timing
Is under control
You have to be moving
With rhythm and soul

Soul train, soul train
Coming down the track
Coming down the track
Soul train, soul train

Coming down the track
Coming down the track

Overall Meaning

Van Dyke Parks’s song Soul Train is about the imperative need to have soul and rhythm to stay connected to the soul train, a metaphor for staying in sync with the culture and moving forward in life. The song depicts the train leaving for a trip around the world and urges listeners not to hesitate in joining in as the engine is ready to move. Parks underscores that participating in the soul train requires more than just physical participation. The song stresses that timing and control are important in moving in rhythm with the groove of the soul train.

The phrase “soul train” signifies a social movement that began in the early 1970s and was founded by Don Cornelius, the producer and host of Soul Train on TV. The program initially gained popularity among African-American audiences as it showcased various music and dance forms that reflect the cultural lives of African Americans. Van Dyke Parks composed this song in 1976, intending to capture the essence of the program and how it brought together people from different races and ethnicities.

Interestingly, the lyrics of Soul Train encourage listeners to form a line, with each person moving in sync with the rhythm of the music. It is a clear metaphor for how individuals are connected as one in the journey of life, and to move forward, it is key to be united and stay in rhythm with the flow. In conclusion, Van Dyke Parks’ Soul Train reiterates the significance of rhythm, soul, and timing, and how it's important to participate and move collectively in sync with the locomotive energy of the world, to achieve personal and societal goals.

Line by Line Meaning

This train is leavin'
The opportunity for a soulful experience is now available

Trip 'round the world
This experience will take you on a global journey

Before you join in
Make sure you're ready

Be sure you have soul
Have a deep emotional connection to the music

Stop hesitating and get in the groove
Don't hold back, fully immerse yourself in the music and rhythm

The engine is reavin'
The music is powerful and ready to go

Be ready to move
Be prepared to physically move your body to the rhythm

Let's have some action
Let's get energetic and lively

Come, form a line
Line up and get ready to dance

Let's see a motion
Encouragement to show off your dancing skills

In front and behind
Everyone is included in this experience