Originally Posted by rayc
… Wonderful song of regret but, man, the line "This phantom train has brought me here to do what I must do" is DARK.
Thanks Ray. I think the word ‘phantom’ is the lever here. The word was present right from my earliest lyric draft and I vacillated about whether to leave it in or take it out. In its current form, we’re left wondering if he’s already dead; about to die; or whether ‘phantom’ is a metaphor for the regret, reflections and reconciliation in his thoughts. Another sign is that Bob is present, but that still doesn’t resolve the puzzle. I prefer the idea that the narrator is still alive and he is thinking these things. I.e. the phantom is a descriptor of how the train journey is helping him process his thoughts.

Originally Posted by WaoBand
Love the guitars in this, but what a sad song!
Thanks Chay. I think, or should I say, I *hope* that the regret, reflections and reconciliation are an expression of the narrator’s love of his family, and in that sense, it’s good news. But I guess if I follow the logic of my response to Ray C, that is best dealt with in person with those that are still living.

Thank you both for listening and commenting.

Andrew

Regards,
Andrew D
Adelaide, Sth Aust
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