Southbound Train lyrics by Crosby, Stills & Nash, 2 meanings, official 2024 song lyrics | LyricsMode.com
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Crosby, Stills & Nash – Southbound Train lyrics
Graham Nash

Liberty laughing and shaking your head
Can you carry the torch that'll bring home the dead?
To the land of their fathers whose lives you have lead
To the station at the end of the town
On the southbound train going down.

Equality quietly facing the fist
Are you angry and tired that your point has been missed?
Will you go to the back-room
And study the list
Of the gamblers using the phone
On the southbound train going down.

Fraternity failing to fight back the tears
Will it take an eternity breaking all the fears?
And what will the passenger do when he hears-
That he's already paid for the crown
On the southbound train going down.
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Southbound Train meanings

  • j
    + 5
    jesuslives
    It's a war protest song about a funeral train. It probes the morality of sending men to war to die for their nation. The harmonica play really brings home the emotion of this song, very melancholy. The song seems to reflect the spirit of that age; that is war protest and questioning traditional morality. Done very beautifully. It's a pretty song even if you can't figure our what it's about. I'm glad Crosby and Nash did this one.
    Add your reply
  • n
    + 3
    Natureman
    I really like this song. Lived through the Vietnam era, and it resonates with that time. Liberty and Equality are shaking their head and facing the fist, respectively--this is not a time for sacrifice and patriotism. Fraternity wants to cry. The gamblers on the phone are the real ones in charge. And the southbound train suggests heading into death's country, "going down," perhaps also southeast Asia? And who is the passenger? I think it's the young men who have been sent to war, and they discover that they've paid with their lives. The crown may be the head of state, or some other authority, but they themselves have been deceived. It's an ironic, bitter line.
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    • j
      + 5
      jesuslives
      It's a war protest song about a funeral train. It probes the morality of sending men to war to die... Read more →
    • n
      + 3
      Natureman
      I really like this song. Lived through the Vietnam era, and it resonates with that time. Liberty... Read more →

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