Train In The Distance Lyrics

Lyric discussion by antionette 

Cover art for Train In The Distance lyrics by Paul Simon

I think the song is about the fact that often our dreams and expectations beats real life. "The sound of a train in the distance" is the thought of something that may happen in the future, it represents a hope of something new and different. The couple described in the song is an example of this, when they first met they thougt that together they could create a wonderful life but it proved that what actually happened did not correspond to their dreams. Ohlala a bit depressing

@antionette I think you are quite right about the meaning of this beautiful song. I also love the way you expressed your thoughts. The song is beautiful and wistful. It stays with a person long after you listen to it. It seems to be true that everyone does love the sound of a train in the distance. Somehow that sound pulls at the heart. Its somewhat paradoxical that the sound of a modern invention can have such a beautiful, haunting quality. Well, that is life, beautiful, haunting, painful, paradoxical. No one wants to let go of it...