Train in Vain

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.