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Runaway Trains Lyrics
She's up there all alone
I'm down here changing lanes
Her room was dark and cold
I'm listening to the waves
And I'm depending on time, babe
To get you out of my mind
Chorus
I guess it's one of those things
You can never explain
Like when an angel cries
Like runaway trains
Like one of those times
That's never the same
Like when someone dies
Like runaway trains
She says 'I understand
I'm used to being alone
And holding my own hand
I'm stronger than you know'
(Repeat Chorus)
Don't blame me
(Repeat Chorus)
I'm down here changing lanes
Her room was dark and cold
I'm listening to the waves
To get you out of my mind
I guess it's one of those things
You can never explain
Like when an angel cries
Like runaway trains
That's never the same
Like when someone dies
Like runaway trains
I'm used to being alone
And holding my own hand
I'm stronger than you know'

a metaphor of heartbreak/lonliness compared to an inevitable trainwreck

I would argue that this is Tom Petty's finest song.
The lyrics are haunting, as a story of two people who just missed each other, for better or for worse. The drums are inspired. The melodies are irresistible. Everything about it just plain clicks.
@raffishtenant2 I agree 100%. It is a perfect song in every aspect...and has to be considered in a very small group of his best songs...close to Can't Stop the Sun from "DJ".
@raffishtenant2 I agree 100%. It is a perfect song in every aspect...and has to be considered in a very small group of his best songs...close to Can't Stop the Sun from "DJ".