Big Train (From Memphis
John Fogerty
Nostalgia and the Power of the Memphis Train
John Fogerty's song "Big Train (From Memphis)" is a nostalgic ode to the powerful and transformative experience of witnessing the iconic Memphis train during his youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young boy spending his summer days playing on the train tracks, captivated by the sound of the wheels rolling on the steel. This auditory experience not only takes him back to those carefree days but also serves as a metaphor for the journey of life and the passage of time.
The chorus, with its repetitive lines "Big Train from Memphis, now it's gone gone gone," emphasizes the sense of loss and change that comes with the passage of time. The train, once a significant and awe-inspiring presence in his life, is now a memory. This reflects a universal theme of longing for the past and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. The train symbolizes a powerful force that once roared through his life, leaving an indelible mark on his memories and dreams.
Fogerty's lyrics also touch on the idea of dreams and aspirations. The line "Each night I went to bed with the sound in my head, and the dream was a song" suggests that the train's presence inspired him to dream and perhaps even influenced his musical journey. The train's roar and the excitement it brought into his life are likened to the dreams and ambitions that drive us forward. The song captures the essence of how certain experiences and memories can shape our identities and aspirations, even long after they have passed.