Meaning of "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul & Mary

The lyrics of "500 Miles" by Peter, Paul & Mary capture the emotions of being far away from home and the longing to return. The song opens with the narrator addressing someone who has missed the train they are on, indicating that their departure has already taken place. The repetition of the line "You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles" emphasizes the distance between the narrator and the person they are addressing.

The use of numerical references throughout the song reinforces the theme of distance and separation. The repetition of "A hundred miles, a hundred miles" and later "Five hundred miles, five hundred miles" indicates the vastness of the physical distance that lies between the narrator and their home. This repetition also hints at the emotional weight that this distance carries, as if the miles themselves are a burden.

The lyrics further highlight the narrator's difficult circumstances. They describe themselves as being without a shirt on their back and not having a penny to their name. This imagery emphasizes their destitution, adding another layer to their longing for home and a better life.

There is a sense of helplessness and a lack of control over their situation in the line "Lord, I can't go a-home this a-way." Here, the repetition of "This a-way, this a-way" suggests that the narrator is stuck in their current predicament and unable to find a way back home. This phrase could also imply that the narrator's current path or lifestyle is unsustainable, reinforcing their desire to return home.

Overall, "500 Miles" captures the universal experience of longing for home, while also addressing themes of distance, separation, and the hardships endured while being far away. The train imagery and numerical references create a vivid picture of the narrator's situation and their yearning to be reunited with their home.