The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
You say you stand by your man
Tell me something I don't understand
You said you love me and that's a fact
And then you left me, said you felt trapped
Well, some things you can explain away
But the heartache's in me 'til this day
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
All the times
When we were close
I'll remember these things the most
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I can't be happy without you around
So alone I keep the wolves at bay
And there's only one thing I can say
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Now I got a job
But it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay
But without all of these things I can do
But without your love I won't make it through
But you don't understand my point of view
I suppose there's nothing I can do
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
Tell me something I don't understand
You said you love me and that's a fact
And then you left me, said you felt trapped
Well, some things you can explain away
But the heartache's in me 'til this day
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
All the times
When we were close
I'll remember these things the most
I see all my dreams come tumbling down
I can't be happy without you around
So alone I keep the wolves at bay
And there's only one thing I can say
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Now I got a job
But it don't pay
I need new clothes
I need somewhere to stay
But without all of these things I can do
But without your love I won't make it through
But you don't understand my point of view
I suppose there's nothing I can do
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You didn't stand by me
No, not at all
You didn't stand by me
No way
You must explain why this must be
Did you lie when you spoke to me?
Did you stand by me?
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
Did you stand by me?
No, not at all
Did you stand by me?
No way
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Great version of a great song,
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The meaning of this song is pretty straightforward, so I just want to clarify where the title "Train in Vain" comes from. Viv Albertine, Mick's ex-girlfriend (who this song is about), actually explained it in an interview: "He used to get the train to my place in Shepherds Bush and I would not let him in. He was bleating on the doorstep." Mick takes the train, begs to be let in, and is rejected -- hence, "train in vain." The music was then written to reflect the sound of a chugging train. Pretty clever title.
Another one late to the can. Rock the Casbash was the last song recorded for Combat Rock, and this one was the last one recording for London Calling, it was written in about an hour, and Mick brought it in so late, my vinyl copy doesn't even have it listed as a song. Their biggest hit before Combat Rock and not even listed on the album, sell out? Not.
What does this song mean to me? Well, I think this is self-explainitory, but otherwise about a couple and the woman is neglecting the man. He sings "Now I got a job, but it don't pay, I need new clothes, I need somewhere to stay" and longs for her love in the next two lines. Pretty much sums it up: A guy is confused and trying to prove a point to his woman. "Why did she break up with me?" he might think..
The Clash are the coolest band. How many bands can hit all the musical genres they do and not look like idiots? They can be political fighters and still have the heartbreak songs and not look like saps...The Clash were awsome.
The song is like an answer to that song Stand By Me "Did you stand by me? No not at all" and at the same time sticking with that lack of "Career Opportunities" theme "Now I gotta job, but it don't pay"
vain doesn't mean out of control...
"to keep the wolves at bay" is an expression meaning meaning to fight something off i.e. any trouble he may have in his life
Love the clash, love this song. There's nothing more to say... And my favourite part is: You must explain why this must be, Did you lie when you spoke to me; and: all the times...without you around. And the title is awsome 2. I wonder what does to keep the wolves in bay means?
It's an alright song although it's a typical Mick song. I like Joe's songs better, as a whole. Although I do love the bass roll in this song.
I love this song 1.)the intro 2.)the way Mick sings it 3.)the organ in the background 4.)awesome title P.S. - anyone know what "train in vain" means?
It wasn't supposed to be a "hidden" tune. It was just recorded late and thus didn't make it into the liner notes. Oops. A train in vain means your making the effort for no reason.