Waiting for a Train

Flash And The Pan's 'Waiting for a Train' is a contemplative song that delves into themes of aging, boredom, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of a person reflecting on their life while waiting for a train, a metaphor for waiting for change or a new direction. The opening lines, 'Wonder why it's getting cold at night / I must be getting old,' suggest a sense of weariness and the inevitable march of time. The protagonist's musings about mundane details, like the old brown shoe on the railway line, highlight a sense of disconnection and ennui.

The song also touches on the idea of missed connections and unfulfilled potential. The lines 'Who's that guy, I've seen his face before / Where or when / Must be another face from Suzie's bar / It was different then' evoke a sense of nostalgia and lost opportunities. The protagonist seems to be grappling with the realization that life has not turned out as expected, and there is a longing for the past when things seemed simpler and more promising. The repeated refrain of 'Waiting for a train' underscores the feeling of being in limbo, waiting for something to happen but unsure of what that something might be.

The final part of the song introduces a more personal and relational aspect, with lines like 'She says you don't make it / She said you don't care / She said she's unhappy / That you're never there.' These lines suggest a troubled relationship and add another layer of complexity to the protagonist's sense of dissatisfaction. The ultimatum 'You sink or you drown' implies a critical juncture, forcing the protagonist to confront their choices and the consequences of their inaction. Overall, 'Waiting for a Train' is a poignant exploration of life's uncertainties, the passage of time, and the struggle to find meaning and connection.