Subway Train

The song 'Subway Train' by the New York Dolls captures the chaotic and often disorienting journey of life, using the metaphor of a subway train to represent the ups and downs, the confusion, and the relentless pace of existence. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and bewilderment, as the narrator struggles to understand why their life feels cursed and condemned despite their efforts to find connection and stability. This sense of struggle is amplified by the repetitive imagery of riding the subway train, a symbol of the constant motion and lack of control that characterizes their experience.

The subway train also serves as a backdrop for the narrator's observations of the people around them. Friends fill up the car, but they are too preoccupied with their own lives to notice the narrator's plight. This reflects a sense of isolation and alienation, as the narrator feels unseen and unheard amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The mention of 'Suzy says' and the lovers in rags adds to the imagery of a society that is more concerned with superficial matters than with genuine human connection.

The song also touches on themes of longing and hope, as the narrator expresses a desire for their loved one to return. The reference to 'Dinah' and the traditional folk song 'I've Been Working on the Railroad' adds a layer of nostalgia and yearning for simpler times. Despite the chaos and confusion, there is a glimmer of hope that one day, the train will bring their baby back, and they will find the connection and stability they seek. The relentless repetition of 'riding' underscores the persistence and resilience required to navigate the tumultuous journey of life.