This is a fantastic song, one of countless greats from Glenn and Augie March!
I agree with the analysis given in the link provided in the first post: The song essentially tracks the hurtling of the "train" of society into a moral-less abyss and civic "hell", push along by the variously bad actions of every individual. The catch at the end is very ture also: We think that we "hurtling towards hell", but it eventually dawns on us that we've already made it there, and that modern society is it.
What I particularly like about this song though is its specific references (both overt and subtle) to Australian society. In the last verses refering to John Laws, sailors with their hands tied and our "rotten government", the reference is clearly to immigrants (both legal and illegal) to Australia. But I think there are also many more subtle references to this theme in the song:
Firstly, the title-line itself "this train will be taking no passengers", seems to be a metaphor for the "train" of Australia not taking any immigrants in to its borders (or at least being very fearful of doing so). It certainly has the meaning of a "non-stop, hurtling train", but I think it is meant as a double entendre.
Secondly, I also think the repeated line "We will adjust to this new condition of living" might have at least some reference to Assimilation policies in Australia? The idea that, when a refugee or immigrant arrives, they are forced to "adjust" to a new condition of living, to shed their old identity and adopt an "Australian" one.
Secondly, I also think the repeated line "We will adjust to this new condition of living" might have at least some reference to Assimilation policies in Australia? The idea that, when a refugee or immigrant arrives, they are forced to "adjust" to a new condition of living, to shed their old identity and adopt an "Australian" one.
This is a fantastic song, one of countless greats from Glenn and Augie March!
I agree with the analysis given in the link provided in the first post: The song essentially tracks the hurtling of the "train" of society into a moral-less abyss and civic "hell", push along by the variously bad actions of every individual. The catch at the end is very ture also: We think that we "hurtling towards hell", but it eventually dawns on us that we've already made it there, and that modern society is it.
What I particularly like about this song though is its specific references (both overt and subtle) to Australian society. In the last verses refering to John Laws, sailors with their hands tied and our "rotten government", the reference is clearly to immigrants (both legal and illegal) to Australia. But I think there are also many more subtle references to this theme in the song: Firstly, the title-line itself "this train will be taking no passengers", seems to be a metaphor for the "train" of Australia not taking any immigrants in to its borders (or at least being very fearful of doing so). It certainly has the meaning of a "non-stop, hurtling train", but I think it is meant as a double entendre.
Secondly, I also think the repeated line "We will adjust to this new condition of living" might have at least some reference to Assimilation policies in Australia? The idea that, when a refugee or immigrant arrives, they are forced to "adjust" to a new condition of living, to shed their old identity and adopt an "Australian" one.
Secondly, I also think the repeated line "We will adjust to this new condition of living" might have at least some reference to Assimilation policies in Australia? The idea that, when a refugee or immigrant arrives, they are forced to "adjust" to a new condition of living, to shed their old identity and adopt an "Australian" one.