Night Train
Visage Lyrics

The message
Referring to a letter contained within an old and worn envelope held tightly in someone's hand.

In a faded envelope
The envelope in which the letter was received is discolored and dulled from age and usage.

In a vice-like grip
The person holding the letter is holding it tightly, perhaps with some anxiety or anticipation.

The passage
A train passes by in the darkness, suggesting some form of travel or journey by the writer.

Of a carriage in the dark
Referring to a train car moving through the nighttime, which could indicate this is an overnight train.

On a foreign trip (again)
This may not be the first time the writer has gone on a journey to a foreign place.

The image
A picture of something seen in the mind's eye - in this case, a person standing among some trees while rain falls.

Of a figure in the trees
A person standing among the trees, as if possibly waiting or watching for something.

In the evening rain
The weather is inclement, possibly creating a feeling of sadness or discomfort.

The knowledge
A realization or awareness of something involving a stranger while traveling.

Of a stranger in your midst
Someone traveling on the train who is not known to the writer is present.

On a speeding train (again)
Perhaps indicating the writer has taken trains before and is familiar with their workings.

Night train
Referring to the train that is being taken, which is specifically an overnight train.

He senses
The singer of the story picks up on something that sparks his curiosity or concern.

Perfume lingers in the night
A fragrance remains in the air after its owner has gone, possibly tied to the presence of the stranger on the train.

Smell of French cologne
This detail helps to flesh out the backstory of the stranger and the writer both, who appear to be from different places in the world.

He watches
The writer is observing something relevant to the story but is not intervening.

As a hand turns down the light
The singer is left alone in the dark as someone else in the train car turns off the lights.

Leaves him all alone (again)
The singer is left to his own thoughts and ideas, possibly feeling isolated from the rest of the world.

He whispers
The artist is alone and talking quietly to himself.

In a dim lit empty room
The artist's surroundings suggest loneliness and a sense of emptiness.

But it's all in vain
Something is not working out as planned or hoped for the artist, suggesting the letter or his thoughts will not yield the results he needs.

He laughs
The singer has a sense of humor, even in less-than-ideal situations.

When he reads the note he finds
The artist finds a note while continuing his journey, at once both surprised and amused.

On the midnight train (again)
Perhaps a reference to the train traveling at night and the writer's affinity for travel aboard such trains.

Night train
A repetition of the chorus as a signifier of the importance of the journey the singer is on.