Meaning of "Memphis Train" by Melissa Etheridge

"Memphis Train" can be interpreted as a metaphor for waiting for love or a significant person to return. The repetitive mention of different train numbers leaving without the person the singer is waiting for could symbolize missed opportunities or chances. The act of dropping a handkerchief and preparing to fall or crawl suggests vulnerability and a willingness to go to great lengths to be reunited with this person. The chorus's plea of "how long must I wait for you" conveys the agony of waiting for something that may never come, reflecting the emotional turmoil that comes with longing for someone who is distant or unreachable. Overall, the song captures the despair and longing that can accompany unrequited love or waiting for someone who may never return.