Meaning of "Downtown Train" by Mary Chapin Carpenter

The lyrics of "Downtown Train" by Mary Chapin Carpenter portray a sense of yearning and unfulfilled desire. The protagonist is captivated by someone who remains elusive and untouchable, represented by the metaphor of the downtown train. The train symbolizes a journey that never reaches a satisfying destination, mirroring the relationship with this person who can never truly be won over. The Brooklyn girls trying to break free from their world serve as a reflection of the protagonist's own attempt to break through the barriers that keep them apart from their love interest. Despite the hope and longing expressed throughout the song, there is an underlying sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitable loneliness. The repetition of the line "Will I see you tonight on a downtown train, where every night is just the same, you leave me lonely" conveys a cycle of expectation and disappointment, highlighting the futility of chasing after someone who will never reciprocate the same feelings.