Known as "Van the Man" by his fans, Morrison first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Northern Irish band Them, writing their 1964 hit "Gloria". A few years later, Morrison left the band for a successful solo career, starting with the album Astral Weeks.
Morrison has pursued an idiosyncratic musical path. Much of his music is tightly structured around the conventions of American soul and R&B, such as the popular singles "Brown Eyed Girl", "Moondance", "Domino", and "Wild Night". An equal part of his catalogue consists of lengthy, loosely connected, spiritually inspired musical journeys that show the influence of Celtic tradition, jazz, and stream-of-consciousness narrative, such as his classic album Astral Weeks and lesser known works such as Veedon Fleece and Common One. The two strains together are sometimes referred to as "Celtic Soul," and Morrison rejects the characterization of his genre of music as Rock, citing Elvis Presley as a non-influence.
He continues to perform regularly and achieved his highest U.S. chart position (number ten on the Billboard 200) with his 2008 album, Keep It Simple.
Evening Train
Van Morrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love to hear that evening train go by
'Specially when my baby's in my mind
Love to hear that lonesome whistle blow
Love to hear that lonesome whistle blow
When I make my way on down the road
Bye bye
Don't cry
Don't sigh
When you hear that evening train go by
Love to hear that evening train on time
Love to hear that evening train on time
'Specially when those worries are on my mind
My my
Don't cry
Why why
Don't sigh
When you hear that evening train go by
Love to see those fields I used to roam
Love to see those fields I used to roam
Then I know I'm on my way back home
My my
Goodbye
Don't cry
Don't sigh
When you hear that evening train go by
When you hear that evening train go by
The lyrics to Van Morrison's "Evening Train" depict the singer's love for the sound of a train passing by in the evening. He especially loves the sound when he's thinking about his lover. The repetition of the line "love to hear that evening train go by" emphasizes how much he enjoys this sound. He also loves the sound of the "lonesome whistle blow" when he's traveling down the road, which seems to reflect his own feelings of loneliness. However, the train seems to offer him comfort when he feels worried. When he sees familiar fields and surroundings, he knows he's on his way back home.
The song creates a mood of comfort and nostalgia, with the train acting as a source of solace for the singer. The repeating refrain of "don't cry, don't sigh" seems to be a reminder to himself to stay positive even when things are tough. Overall, the song presents an interesting mixture of loneliness, comfort, and a longing for home.
Line by Line Meaning
Love to hear that evening train go by
I enjoy listening to the sound of the train passing by in the evening.
Love to hear that lonesome whistle blow
I particularly enjoy listening to the mournful sound of the train whistle blowing.
When I make my way on down the road
I feel comforted knowing that the train is there as I continue on my journey.
Don't cry, Don't sigh
There is no need to be sad or upset when you hear the train pass by.
Love to hear that evening train on time
I appreciate when the train is on schedule, especially when I am feeling anxious about various things.
Love to see those fields I used to roam
The sight of the fields that I used to wander through brings me a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Then I know I'm on my way back home
Seeing those familiar fields reminds me that I am headed in the right direction and that I am that much closer to being home.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind