The Meaning behind the Song: Like a Freight Train by John Hiatt
John Hiatt is one of the most respected artists in the music industry. The American singer-songwriter has been performing for decades, and he’s known for his unique style of rock, folk, and blues. One of his most popular songs is Like a Freight Train, which was released in 2003. The song is a powerful track that tells a story about love, heartbreak, and the struggle to move on. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind this beautiful song and why it resonates with so many people.
The Story behind the Song
Like a Freight Train is a song about a man who can’t move on from a past relationship. He’s haunted by memories of his lover and the time they spent together. In the song, Hiatt compares this feeling to a freight train that’s always on the move: “Like a freight train, baby, like a freight train, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, tearing through my brain, tearing through my soul.” This metaphor perfectly captures the emotional impact that the memories are having on the man.
As the song progresses, we learn that the man’s lover has moved on and is now with someone else. He’s consumed by jealousy and can’t help but think about what could have been: “Now she’s with another man, living in another land, taking in another view, boy I’m just a fool for you.” The man knows that he needs to move on, but he can’t seem to shake the memories of his past love.
The Emotion behind the Song
Like a Freight Train is a song that’s full of emotion. There’s a deep sense of pain and heartbreak in the lyrics that’s palpable. The song captures the feeling of being consumed by memories and unable to move on. It’s a feeling that many people can relate to, which is why the song has resonated with so many fans over the years.
Hiatt’s powerful vocals and the raw, stripped-down instrumentation add to the emotional impact of the song. You can feel the pain and desperation in his voice as he sings about the man who can’t let go of his past love. It’s a haunting and beautiful song that will stay with you long after the last note has faded away.
Frequently Asked Questions about Like a Freight Train
1. Who wrote Like a Freight Train?
John Hiatt wrote the song.
2. When was Like a Freight Train released?
The song was released in 2003.
3. What genre is Like a Freight Train?
The song is a mix of rock, folk, and blues.
4. What is the meaning behind the lyrics?
The song is about a man who can’t let go of a past relationship.
5. Why is Like a Freight Train popular?
The song resonates with people because it captures the feeling of being consumed by memories and unable to move on.
6. What is the metaphor in the song?
The metaphor in the song is a freight train that’s always on the move.
7. What emotions does the song evoke?
The song evokes a sense of pain, heartbreak, and desperation.
8. What is the instrumentation like in the song?
The instrumentation is raw and stripped-down, which adds to the emotional impact of the song.
9. Who has covered Like a Freight Train?
The song has been covered by artists such as the Neville Brothers and Jim Lauderdale.
10. What albums is Like a Freight Train on?
The song is on John Hiatt’s album, Beneath this Gruff Exterior.
11. What other songs is John Hiatt known for?
John Hiatt is known for songs such as Have a Little Faith in Me, Perfectly Good Guitar, and Feels Like Rain.
12. Why is John Hiatt considered a respected artist?
John Hiatt is considered a respected artist because of his unique style of rock, folk, and blues, and his ability to write powerful and emotional songs that resonate with people.
