Story Behind The Song

A sad old man tells his story in a few sentences that haunt the listener long after the train ride ends.

Song Description

Stranger on the train tells a story that creates more questions than answers

Lyrics

I sat down by an old man - on the eights
deeply tanned and leathered skin creased his long thin face
The paper bag didn't hide his bottle - very well
I said - I ride to the end of the line
if you've got a story to tell

He shook his head - and turned away from me
I didn't mean to pester him, so I - just let him be
And yet it seemed he had a need - and in a rusty wheeze
so whisper soft it was nearly lost
he said - life's got no guarantees

Got a song, got a woman and they're both here on my mind
Haven't heard 'em, haven't seen 'em oh it's been a long, long time
Conway Twitty really wailing on the radio the day she packed her bags and walked right out the door

I was left to wonder - bout what he said
cuz he leaned back, closed his eyes - and soon was far away
What was that song - Why did she leave
I never learned but his words are burned
and I hear them again and again

Got a song, got a woman ...