Janis Ian – This Train Still Runs

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My musical tastes are eclectic – I like everything from Patti LaBelle to Chromeo. Regardless of musical genre, I’m a sucker for a good melody and a great lyric. “This Train Still Runs” by Janis Ian has both. My favorite part of the song is:

“Sure as a baby loves the teat
Sure as a high heel on concrete
Sure as the songs I’ve left unsung
This train still runs”

And my favorite line is “sure as a high heel on concrete” because it’s incredibly visual without being overly descriptive.

Below are the rest of the lyrics and a live recording of the song. Enjoy!

This Train Still Runs

Janis Ian/Jess Leary

“I felt a rumble in my heart, over the mountains
as the engine ate the spark, spitting out the miles
Times when I tried to jump the track
Weight of the world upon my back
Still after all is said and done

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
Nothing is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs

I had a friend I left behind, back at the station
We used to burn the power lines, racing with the wind
But time has the manners of a thief
Young love turns bittersweet
Still we keep that lantern hung – this train still runs

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
No one is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs

Got a ticket in my pocket & I’m ready to ride
Got a motor rolling over to an easy glide
I’m gonna travel on the gravel to the other side
Sure as a baby loves the teat
Sure as a high heel on concrete
Sure as the songs I’ve left unsung
This train still runs

This train still runs
It doesn’t matter where it’s gone
This train still runs
and though the baggage weighs a ton,
we carry on
Nothing is forever young
I’m not done – this train still runs
This train still runs
This train still runs”

3 thoughts on “Janis Ian – This Train Still Runs

  1. Elaine – Jackson, WI 53037, USA – Nothing special about me. A Mom and Grandmother. Not a good writer but just want to learn about blogging and save some random things I have posted on another website, have a little fun. Will be blogging about my journey as I grow in my knowledge and love for the Lord. If someone sees my posts and gets something out of them that would be a thrill for me!
    Elaine on said:

    Love the lyrics to this song! Not forever young here but my train is still running, but on a different track.

    • I’m glad you enjoyed the lyrics, Elaine. It’s amazing how music can move and inspire us. It’s a universal language.

      • Elaine – Jackson, WI 53037, USA – Nothing special about me. A Mom and Grandmother. Not a good writer but just want to learn about blogging and save some random things I have posted on another website, have a little fun. Will be blogging about my journey as I grow in my knowledge and love for the Lord. If someone sees my posts and gets something out of them that would be a thrill for me!
        Elaine on said:

        It surely is! I love music and have very eclectic tastes myself. I get a lot out of many types of music.

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