Freight Train

Alan Jackson's song 'Freight Train' is a poignant exploration of heartache and longing, wrapped in the metaphor of a powerful, unstoppable locomotive. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is haunted by the memory of a lost love. He reminisces about a past relationship that ended a year ago, and the pain of that loss is still very much alive. The imagery of the freight train symbolizes his desire to be strong and unfeeling, to barrel through obstacles and emotional barriers without hesitation or pain.

The repeated wish to be a 'freight train' or a 'diesel locomotive' underscores the narrator's yearning for emotional resilience. He wishes he could crash through the barriers that his lost love has put up, to force his way back into her life. The train metaphor extends to his feelings of abandonment and stagnation, as he describes feeling left 'abandoned on some old railway side' and his inability to move forward without her. The coldness he feels when he hears her voice further emphasizes his emotional paralysis.

Throughout the song, Jackson uses the train metaphor to express his frustration and helplessness. He wishes for the strength and determination of a freight train, something that can keep moving forward no matter what. The need for a 'shovel for the coal' to get him started highlights his struggle to find the motivation to move on. The song captures the universal experience of heartache and the longing for emotional fortitude in the face of loss, making it a relatable and powerful piece of music.