Meaning of "Freight Train" by Peter, Paul & Mary

The lyrics of "Freight Train" evoke a sense of wanderlust and nostalgia, as the protagonist expresses a desire to escape and go on a journey symbolized by the fast-moving freight train. The repeated refrain of "Freight train, freight train, gone again" hints at a transient lifestyle and a constant need for movement and change. However, amidst the desire for travel, there is a profound longing for home, as reflected in the wish to return to the Blue Ridge Mountains and ultimately be buried in the familiar setting of Bleecker Street. The train becomes a symbol of both freedom and a return to roots, representing the conflicting emotions of exploration and the pull of home. The lyrics capture the universal themes of longing for escape, the search for belonging, and the passage of time as represented by the passing train.