Long Train Runnin'
by The Doobie Brothers
What is “Long Train Runnin'” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Long Train Runnin'” by The Doobie Brothers is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Long Train Runnin'' by The Doobie Brothers captures the timeless quest for love amidst life's relentless hustle, symbolized by the ongoing movement of trains.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Long Train Runnin'', The Doobie Brothers juxtapose the imagery of hardworking trains with the existential quest for love. The song stresses the idea that without love, the mechanical and repetitive nature of life, much like the trains that 'keep on pushin'' and wheels that 'go 'round and 'round', would be lackluster and purposeless. It uses the recurring motif of trains – symbols of power, momentum, and the passage of time – to portray life's journey. The rhetorical question posed in the chorus, 'Where would you be now without love?' invites listeners to reflect on the central role that love plays in giving meaning to one's endeavors and existence, suggesting that love is the essential fuel that keeps our lives moving with purpose and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Long Train Runnin'' by The Doobie Brothers released?
The song 'Long Train Runnin'' was released in 1973.
Q: Who wrote 'Long Train Runnin''?
Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers wrote 'Long Train Runnin''.
Lyrics to “Long Train Runnin'”
25 ContributorsLong Train Runnin’ Lyrics
[Harmonica Solo]
[Verse 3]
Well, the Illinois Central and the Southern Central Freight
Got to keep on pushin', mama, 'cause you know they're runnin' late
[Chorus]
Without love
Where would you be now?
Without love
[Verse 4]
Well, pistons keep on churnin' and the wheels go 'round and 'round
And the steel rails lie cold and hard on the mountains they go down
[Chorus]
Without love
Where would you be right now?
Without love
Ooh, where would you be now?
[Outro]
Mmm, got to get you, baby baby, won't you move it down?
Won't you move it down?
Baby, baby, baby, baby, won't you move it down?
When the big train run
When the train is movin' on
I got to keep on movin'
Keep on movin'
Won't you keep on movin'?
Gonna keep on movin'