Meaning of "Poverty Train" by Laura Nyro

"Poverty Train" by Laura Nyro delves into the harsh realities of living in poverty and the toll it takes on individuals and families. The repetition of "Last call for the poverty train" highlights the desperation and urgency to escape this cycle. The narrator reflects on the impact of poverty on their life, witnessing the suffering of loved ones and questioning the circumstances of their own birth. The reference to the devil and the feeling of impending doom adds a sense of despair and hopelessness. The juxtaposition of "shiny lights" and "dirty" symbolizes the allure of escape through destructive means like drugs, but ultimately realizing that there is something more worthwhile, symbolized by getting off the "poverty train." Overall, the lyrics convey a profound sense of struggle, pain, and the longing for a better life outside of poverty.