Soul Asylum – Runaway Train (Official HD Video)
Inspiration Behind Runaway Train:
Dave Pirner wrote Runaway Train during a period of anxiety and depression in his life. In addition, Dave has been diagnosed with tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that can lead to a total loss of hearing. While the attached You Tube points to the million children missing in America, the ringing in Dave’s ears is like hearing a runaway train.
Biblical Application:
Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[h] 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched theman’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly, Mark 7:31-35.
Exegesis of Runaway Train:
[Verse 1]
Call you up in the middle of the night
Like a firefly without a light
You were there like a blowtorch burning
I was a key that could use a little turning
So tired that I couldn’t even sleep
So many secrets I couldn’t keep
Promised myself I wouldn’t weep
One more promise I couldn’t keep
Dave is either referring to his hearing or personal matters that are quickly getting out of control. Dave is seeking help from a friend. After coming over, Dave appears to open up, revealing secrets from his past.
[Pre-Chrous]
It seems no one can help me now
I’m in too deep
There’s no way out
This time I have really led myself astray
Dave feels like he is stuck on a runaway train, beginning to think that no one can help him.
[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there
Dave doesn’t appear to be making any progress in life, starting to go backwards.
[Verse 2]
Can you help me remember how to smile?
Make it somehow all seem worthwhile
How on earth did I get so jaded?
Life’s mystery seems so faded
I can go where no one else can go
I know what no one else knows
Here I am, just a-drowning in the rain
With a ticket for a runaway train
Dave is battling depression. Joy for life has been replaced by sarcasm. Dave has some painful things that he is keeping to himself, making him feel like he is drowning.
[Pre-Chorus]
And everything seems cut and dry
Day and night
Earth and sky
Somehow, I just don’t believe it
Dave’s heart has grown cold, frustrated by the hand life has dealt him.
[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there
Dave is stuck in a rut, struggling to break free.
[Bridge]
Bought a ticket for a runaway train
Like a madman laughing at the rain
A little out of touch, a little insane
It’s just easier than dealing with the pain
Dave is on the verge of losing it, nearing a mental breakdown.
[Chorus]
Runaway train never going back
Wrong way on a one-way track
Seems like I should be getting somewhere
Somehow, I’m neither here nor there
Dave’s life is stuck in neutral.
[Outro]
Runaway train never coming back
Runaway train tearing up the track
Runaway train burning in my veins
I run away, but it always seems the same
Dave can’t escape his trouble in life.
Final Thoughts:
The lyrics of Runaway train fit well into May’s Mental Health Awareness. When you are going through a difficult stretch in life like Dave, you need a support group to encourage you. Trying to deal with problems all alone may seem like a good idea at first, but the father of lies, the Devil, seeks to kill and destroy souls, John 10:10. Instead of allowing this train to keep on speeding ahead out of control, cry out to Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus so that you can begin to heal.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 