☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of Charley, a man from Boston who gets stuck in the subway because he doesn't have enough money to pay for the fare increase.
- It laments that Charley may be stuck forever in the Boston subway, similar to Paul Revere.
- The song lyrics call on the citizens of Boston to fight against the unfair increase in subway fees and to vote for George O'Brien to free Charley.
- The song lyrics have a political message, encourage solidarity, and show how Charley's story can be exemplary for many people facing financial burdens.
- Overall, 'M.T.A.' is a protest song against injustice and financial burdens in public transportation, advocating for fair and affordable transportation options.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "M.T.A." by
The Kingston Trio tell the story of Charley, a man from Boston who boards the subway on a tragic day. He gives his last money, a ten-cent coin, for the fare and gets on the train. But when he tries to transfer at Kendall Square station, the conductor tells him he still needs to pay five cents. However, Charley has no more money and cannot get off the train.
The chorus of the song asks if Charley ever returned and notes that his fate is unknown. It laments that he may be riding forever on the Boston subway, similar to Paul Revere. The lyrics describe how Charley's wife goes to Sculley Square station every day at 2:15 PM and passes him a sandwich through the open window as the train goes by.
The lyrics of the song address the unfair increase in subway fares by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (M.T.A.) and call on the citizens of Boston to fight against it and vote for George O'Brien to free Charley from the subway. It condemns the fact that the population has to pay over and over again.
The song lyrics also have a political message, as it encourages people to fight against unfair taxes and fee hikes. It calls for solidarity among citizens and highlights how Charley's story can be exemplary of many people who suffer from financial burdens.
Overall, the song lyrics of "M.T.A." can be interpreted as a kind of protest song against injustice and excessive financial burdens of public transportation. It appeals to listeners to advocate for fair and affordable transportation options.