Trains

Porcupine Tree's song 'Trains' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of life's moments. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of trains, a common metaphor for the journey of life and the unstoppable march of time. The opening lines, 'Train set and match spied under the blind / Shiny and contoured the railway winds,' evoke a sense of childhood wonder and the intricate beauty of life's path. The mention of hearing the train from a cousin's bed adds a personal touch, grounding the song in specific memories that many listeners can relate to.

The recurring line, 'Always the summers are slipping away,' underscores the theme of fleeting time. Summers, often associated with youth, freedom, and happiness, symbolize the best moments of life that seem to pass too quickly. The plea, 'Find me a way for making it stay,' reflects a universal desire to hold onto these precious moments, to stop time and savor the present. This longing is further emphasized by the imagery of a '60 ton angel' falling to earth, representing the heavy, inevitable passage of time and the scars it leaves behind.

The song also delves into the intensity of love and connection, as seen in the lines, 'When I hear the engine pass / I'm kissing you wide / The hissing subsides / I'm in luck.' The train's passing becomes a metaphor for moments of intimacy and passion, fleeting yet deeply impactful. The repetition of 'I'm dying of love / It's OK' suggests a bittersweet acceptance of love's transient nature. Ultimately, 'Trains' is a beautifully melancholic reflection on the impermanence of life's most cherished experiences and the deep emotional resonance they leave behind.