The Meaning Behind The Song: Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull
One of Jethro Tull’s most iconic and recognizable tracks, “Locomotive Breath,” is a song that has grown in popularity since its release more than four decades ago. Written by Ian Anderson, the band’s flautist, the lyrics of “Locomotive Breath” are often interpreted in different ways, but the song’s main themes remain clear to most listeners.
The Lyrics
The song opens with a distinctive guitar riff that sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The lyrics then commence in a harsh and abrasive manner, and the listener immediately begins to feel the intensity of the song. The opening lines of the song are as follows:
“In the shuffling madness
Of the locomotive breath,
Runs the all-time loser,
Headlong to his death”
The song’s lyrics describe a man who seems to be caught up in a never-ending cycle of misery and defeat. He is running on the “locomotive breath,” which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a fast-paced and ruthless life. The lyrics go on to describe how this man is always on the run, but he is also always losing, which symbolizes the futility of his efforts.
The Theme of Mortality
One of the more obvious themes in “Locomotive Breath” is mortality. The song describes a man who is trapped in an endless struggle for survival, but his efforts are hopeless, and his fate is sealed. As the song reaches its climax, the lyrics become more ominous, as they describe the man’s impending doom with lines such as:
“As he stands beneath the railway station clock,
He thinks of all the people going by”
These lines suggest that the man is coming to terms with his own mortality and is contemplating the inevitability of his own death.
The Cycle of Life and Death
Another theme that runs through “Locomotive Breath” is the idea of the cycle of life and death. The lyrics describe a man who is caught in a vicious cycle of misery and defeat, and he seems unable to break free from it. The imagery of the train and the station clock symbolizes the passage of time, and how life goes on, even as the man’s fate is sealed.
The Importance of Individuality
While “Locomotive Breath” is often interpreted as a song about the inevitability of death, there is another theme that is often overlooked: the importance of individuality. The song criticizes conformity and the pressure to conform to societal norms. In the following lines, the lyrics describe how the man is “just another crazy” and how he is “fighting to be free.”
“For every man who wants to rule the world,
There’ll be a man who just wants to be free”
These lines suggest that the man in the song is fighting against the pressure to conform and is trying to assert his individuality.
The Symbolism of the Train
The train is a powerful symbol in “Locomotive Breath.” It represents the fast-paced nature of life, and how one can be swept away by the rapid current of time. The train also symbolizes destiny, as the man seems to be caught up in a predetermined path that he cannot escape from. The train’s relentless motion represents the unstoppable force of life and death, and how we are all caught up in its wake.
Conclusion
“Locomotive Breath” is a song that has stood the test of time, and its powerful lyrics and imagery continue to resonate with listeners. The song’s themes of mortality, the cycle of life and death, individuality, and conformity are still relevant today, and its message is as powerful now as it was when the song was first released. As Ian Anderson once said, “It wasn’t an easy song to write, but those are often the best ones.” And indeed, “Locomotive Breath” is one of Jethro Tull’s best songs, a testament to the band’s creative genius and Ian Anderson’s songwriting prowess.
