Meaning of "The Trains Are Gone" by Colter Wall

"The Trains Are Gone" by Colter Wall delves into the theme of progress and change through the disappearance of trains, symbolizing the march of time and the fading of traditions. The nostalgia for the trains represents a longing for a simpler past where things were more connected and rooted in history. The reference to Granddad's ranch drying up fast and Johnny Chisum's influence implies the loss of heritage and the encroachment of modernity. The mention of Billy-boy being slain by Pat adds a touch of tragedy to the narrative, highlighting the inevitability of change and loss. The continuous motif of the absence of trains underscores a sense of displacement and longing for a bygone era. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection on the impermanence of life, as depicted through the changing landscape and the fleeting nature of time.