Meaning of "Last Train" by Allen Toussaint

"Last Train" explores the theme of feeling left behind in a fast-paced world. The train imagery represents the rapid movement and progress of society, while the repetition of "last train" emphasizes the limited time available to catch up or make a significant change. The lyrics capture a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time when the world was not as fast and demanding.

The line "This a world is getting so much faster, it's too sad" expresses the narrator's melancholy and resignation towards the changing times. They feel overwhelmed by the speed of life and admit to failing in keeping up with it. The phrase "Poor train are going down slow" suggests that despite the train's slow pace, it is struggling to keep up with the demands placed upon it.

The repetition of "huffing and puffing and chugging like a choo choo train" serves as a metaphor for the narrator's own physical and mental exhaustion in trying to keep up. It symbolizes the constant effort required to stay relevant and succeed in a fast-moving world. The "hissing and kissing and missing like a buku brain" further illustrates the feeling of being overwhelmed, as the mind becomes fragmented and distracted.

The lyrics also touch on the narrator's struggle to find their place in this fast-paced world. The line "My head is wondering where to go" reflects their confusion and uncertainty, while "My face is wondering where to show" suggests a desire to hide their vulnerability and uncertainty from others.

Overall, "Last Train" conveys a sense of longing for a simpler and slower time, contrasting it with the reality of a rapidly changing world. The lyrics explore themes of exhaustion, uncertainty, and the struggle to keep up, portraying the narrator's yearning for a sense of stability and peace amidst the chaos.