☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics describe social injustices and the feeling of oppression
- There is a hope for a better future and an ideal state expressed
- Questions about social injustice and discrimination are raised
- The text emphasizes the potential of people despite physical limitations
- The desire for social justice, resistance, and change is expressed
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "This Train Revised" by
Indigo Girls describe a metaphorical and socially critical message. The text begins with a description of injustices and the feeling of oppression, such as "a fish with a white belly", "a lump in the throat", and "razor blades on the wire". It speaks of blood, urine, and a train car with a hundred people, including gypsies, homosexuals, and David's stars.
The chorus of the song emphasizes that this train is on its way to glory. It is repeated, "This train is on its way to glory". This can be interpreted as a hope for a better future or as a striving for an ideal state.
Throughout the rest of the text, questions are asked that point to social injustice and discrimination. It questions the meaning of belonging to the human race and criticizes whether doctors are cruel and if monkeys are shocked. It also points out that there are people who, despite their physical limitations, like dancers without legs or healers without hands, make valuable contributions. The answers to these questions are seen as potential that is lost.
The text ends with the realization that the questions and answers are "stacked like wood". This could mean that the problems and solutions are there, but not utilized. The song lyrics also express the desire for this train to carry the singer's family, indicating that the pursuit of justice and change is personally meaningful.
Overall, the lyrics of the song "This Train Revised" express a message of social justice, resistance, and hope for change. It raises questions about injustices and calls for recognizing and harnessing the potential of people.