Introduction
I first discovered William Elliott Whitmore’s music a few years ago, and one song that immediately resonated with me was “Fear of Trains.” The haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics captivated me from the first listen. In this article, I will explore the meaning behind the song, analyzing its powerful lyrics and providing some additional information about its background.
Table of Contents
Verse 1 and Verse 2
The song opens with a glimpse into the protagonist’s troubled past. She has experienced the loss of loved ones due to various circumstances, symbolized by the army train taking her father away and the bible train taking her mother. These profound losses had a profound impact on her life, leaving her with a lingering fear.
Verse 2 delves deeper into the hardships she faced, mentioning the government train that took away her childhood and the KKK that erased her past. The lyrics suggest that her heritage and identity were suppressed or disregarded by those in power. Despite these challenges, the protagonist possesses resilience and determination, symbolized by the mention of her ability to run fast.
Chorus
The chorus emphasizes the protagonist’s struggle to find her place in a world that feels cold and unwelcoming to her. With a Blackfoot soul and a cowboy hat, she embodies a unique blend of cultural influences. However, everything she loves seems to succumb to the “dragon track,” possibly representing the destructive forces or societal norms that oppose her. Her fear of trains becomes a metaphor for her fear of the unknown, change, or perhaps even a fear of losing more of what she holds dear.
Bridge
In the bridge, the song takes us to different locations, showcasing the protagonist’s continuous journey. In the beet fields of Montana, she faces dead-end situations or encounters disappointment. The line “bound to live is bound to fail” suggests a sense of resignation or hopelessness, as if she believes that life’s hardships are inevitable. In a park in San Francisco, her mother’s obsession with religion is revealed, offering a glimpse into her family’s spiritual convictions. The mention of the “dead rails” and echoing wind hints at the lingering presence of a train’s sound, a reminder of her fears.
Verse 3 and Outro
Verse 3 introduces the idea that the protagonist’s country and land were taken away, symbolized by the wagon train and oil train. The mention of the ponderosa, usually associated with beauty and grandeur, juxtaposes the protagonist’s unrealized potential. The “fat man’s plan” suggests the influence of those in power and their disregard for the protagonist’s dreams or aspirations.
The song ends with a restatement of the chorus, emphasizing the coldness of the world towards someone like the protagonist. Her fear of trains remains, symbolizing her fear of facing further loss, disappointment, or uncertainty in her life.
About the Song
“Fear of Trains” is a cover of a song by The Magnetic Fields, originally written by Stephin Merritt. It is featured on William Elliott Whitmore’s 2018 album titled “Kilonova.” Known for his gritty and soulful voice, paired with acoustic guitar, Whitmore’s interpretation adds a raw and emotive touch to the song.
As a fan, I have found solace in the honesty and vulnerability present in “Fear of Trains.” The song serves as a reminder that life can be full of challenges and disappointments, but it’s our resilience and determination that define us. The haunting melodies and powerful lyrics continue to resonate with me, reminding me of the strength that lies within us all.
Overall, “Fear of Trains” captures the universal human experience of grappling with fears and uncertainties. It raises questions about identity, loss, and resilience while offering a poignant tribute to the strength of the human spirit.
