Meaning of "Empire State Express" by Son House
The lyrics of "Empire State Express" by Son House tell a story of loss and longing, using the metaphor of a fast-moving train to represent the inevitability of change and the passing of time. The protagonist's yearning to ride the train and be reunited with his woman, only to be denied by the depot agent, highlights the harsh realities of life's limitations and the inability to control fate. The reference to the mean fireman and low-down engineer stealing his woman suggests a sense of betrayal and heartache, as the narrator is left behind with nothing but memories. The imagery of the train speeding away, leaving behind black smoke, symbolizes the pain and bitterness of being abandoned. Overall, the song explores themes of abandonment, regret, and the fleeting nature of time.