About the song

Background

“Downtown Train” was originally written and recorded by Tom Waits for his 1985 album “Rain Dogs.” Rod Stewart’s version, released in 1989, became a massive hit and is often more recognized than the original. Stewart’s rendition features a more polished, pop-rock sound, while Waits’ version has a rawer, bluesy feel.

The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man yearning for a woman he sees on the downtown train every night. He’s captivated by her and imagines a life together, but he struggles to connect with her in the fleeting moments they share on the train.

Lyrics

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban life and the yearning for connection:

Did you hear that whistle blowin’? Did you hear that rumble in the ground? Did you hear that heart beatin’? Did you hear that thunder sound? She’s a-waitin’ for me On that downtown train

The verses describe the narrator’s fascination with the woman and his attempts to win her over:

There’s a girl across the tracks With a smile about a mile wide She’s a-waitin’ for me On that downtown train

The chorus is a repeated expression of longing and hope:

Oh, downtown train I’m a-gonna catch that downtown train

Themes

  • Longing and Desire: The song’s central theme is the longing for connection and the desire to escape the loneliness of urban life. The narrator sees the woman as a symbol of hope and possibility.
  • Missed Connections: The lyrics also touch upon the theme of missed opportunities and the fleeting nature of chance encounters. The narrator repeatedly tries to connect with the woman but is unable to bridge the gap between them.
  • Urban Life: The song paints a vivid picture of urban life, with its crowds, noise, and fleeting connections. The downtown train serves as a symbol of both hope and despair, offering the possibility of connection but also highlighting the difficulty of finding it in the city.

Impact

Rod Stewart’s “Downtown Train” became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It’s a popular song for weddings and romantic occasions, and its themes of longing and desire resonate with audiences worldwide.

The song’s popularity has also helped to bring Tom Waits’ original version to a wider audience, highlighting the power of music to connect people across different genres and styles.

Video

Lyrics

Outside another yellow moonHas punched a hole in the nighttime mistI climb through the window and down to the streetI’m shining like a new dime
The downtown trains are fullFull of all them Brooklyn girlsThey try so hard to break out of their little worlds
You wave your hand and they scatter like crowsThey have nothing that’ll ever capture your heartThey’re just thorns without the roseBe careful of them in the dark
Oh, if I was the one you chose to be your only oneOh, babyCan’t you hear me now?Can’t you hear me now?
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?Every night, every night it’s just the sameOn a downtown train
I know your window and I know it’s lateI know your stairs and your doorwayI walk down your street and past your gateI stand by the light of the four way
And watch them as they fall, oh babyThey all having their heart attacksThey stay at the carnivalBut they’ll never win you back
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?Every night, every night, it’s just the sameYou leave me lonelyWill I see you tonight on a downtown train?All my dreams, all my dreams fall like rainOn a downtown train
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train?Every night, every night, it’s just the sameWill I see you tonight on a downtown train?All my dreams, all my dreams, fall like rainOn a downtown trainOn a downtown trainAll my dreams fall like rainOn a downtown train