Meaning of "Slow Train" by Kevin Morby

The lyrics of "Slow Train" delve into themes of introspection, uncertainty, and the desire for freedom. The repeated mention of a slow train serves as a metaphor for the narrator's emotions. The train represents a course of action or purpose, something that the narrator longs to find but remains elusive. The pain that the train embodies signifies a deeper struggle within the narrator, an internal conflict or turmoil that they wish to be released from. The repetition of the phrase "Release the fire out of me, I don't wanna burn from the inside" highlights this desire for emotional liberation and relief. The narrator's lack of self-awareness is evident in lines like "I don't know my name, and I don't know my purpose." They feel misplaced, lacking a clear sense of identity or direction. This feeling is heightened by the imagery of waiting on a platform for a train that has already come and gone, symbolizing missed opportunities or delayed actions. The repetition of the phrase "a slow train coming, a slow train gone" emphasizes the narrator's sense of being stuck in a cycle, unable to break free and move forward.

Overall, the lyrics of "Slow Train" evoke a sense of longing and existential angst. The narrator's yearning for release and their acknowledgment of their own confusion and lack of purpose convey a universal feeling of searching for meaning in life. The imagery of the slow train and the repetition throughout the song intensify the emotional impact, creating a haunting and contemplative atmosphere.