☝️ Key Points
- The song is about a hobo lying on a train track, waiting for a train to pass by.
- He wonders if there is a place for hobos in heaven and if they have to work there or if they can continue to be free.
- The lyrics raise existential questions about the lives of hobos and their future in heaven.
- It also addresses the hope for respect and recognition for hobos in this "hidden" world.
- Overall, the lyrics describe the life and uncertainties of a hobo and provide insight into their thoughts and concerns.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Hobo's Meditation" by
Linda Ronstadt are about a hobo, a migrant worker, who is lying on a railroad track waiting for a train to pass by. He wonders what will become of the hobos when they die. Is there a place in heaven they can call home? Do they have to work there or can they continue to roam?
The lines "Last night as I lay on the boxcar" and "Just waiting for a train to pass by" show that the hobo is searching for a way to keep traveling. He is lying on a freight car waiting for a train to come by and take him.
The line "There's a Master up yonder in heaven" suggests that the hobo believes in a God and wonders if there is a place for hobos in heaven. He wonders if hobos have to work there or if they can remain free.
The questions "Will there be any freight trains in heaven" and "Will there be any tough cops or brakemen" show that the hobo wonders if there will still be freight trains and policemen to prevent them from traveling in heaven. He also wonders if they can befriend rich people there and if they will always have enough money.
The lyrics of the song pose existential questions about the lives of hobos and their future in heaven. They also address the hope for respect and recognition for hobos in this "hidden" world. Overall, they describe the life and uncertainties of a hobo and provide insight into their thoughts and concerns.