Meaning of "Freight Train" by Alan Jackson

The lyrics of "Freight Train" convey the emotions and frustrations of a person who is longing to reconnect with a lost love. The narrator's use of the imagery of a freight train and a diesel locomotive reflects his desire for power and control, as well as his yearning to make a grand entrance into the person's life. He wishes to be unfeeling like a machine, free from the emotional pain caused by the failed relationship.

The repetition of the line "Wish it was a freight train baby" amplifies the narrator's frustration and longing for a different reality. The reference to needing a shovel for coal and the mention of a stoker and boiler further emphasize the narrator's desire to be in motion and to regain the passion and energy he once had.

The narrator expresses feelings of being left behind and abandoned, as if he is stuck on an old railway side. The jealousy and coldness he experiences when talking to the person create a sense of tension and distance. The reference to the water getting cold and the stoker not stoking implies a loss of warmth and vitality in the relationship. The imagery of slipping behind and wanting someone to change his track indicates a desire for a new direction and a fresh start.

In essence, "Freight Train" portrays the narrator's longing for a powerful and unfeeling version of himself, capable of crashing back into the person's life without hesitation. The lyrics highlight the frustration and emotional turmoil caused by the failed relationship while also revealing the narrator's desire for control and a chance to start anew.