Meaning of "Cab" by Train

The lyrics of "Cab" delve into themes of loneliness, longing, and personal growth. The song portrays the perspective of a taxi driver in the bustling city of New York. The protagonist finds solace in the beauty of the snowy cityscape, but ultimately acknowledges that nothing compares to the person they miss. The repetition of "the days are better, the nights are still so lonely" highlights the stark contrast between the protagonist's daily routine and the emotional emptiness they feel.

Through the metaphor of driving a cab, the song explores the idea of searching for connection and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The repetitive nature of the job mirrors the protagonist's attempt to distract themselves from their feelings. They describe the familiar places and faces they encounter, symbolizing the cyclical nature of their journey both in the city and within their emotions.

The lyrics also express the character's internal conflict as they try to convince themselves that they are "getting over" the person they miss, using the rhythm of the job as a coping mechanism. However, this self-assurance feels hollow, as they acknowledge that they may be merely telling themselves what they need to hear.

The final lines, "I'm still looking for a fare, No one said that it was fair... To be alone," encapsulate the deeper meaning of the song. The protagonist longs for someone to share their life with and feels that being alone is unfair. The pain of their loneliness highlights the desire for connection and companionship. As a taxi driver, they metaphorically search for a fare, representing their quest to find someone who will accompany them on their journey, providing solace and breaking their solitude.

In summary, "Cab" explores the emotions of loneliness, longing, and personal growth through the perspective of a taxi driver in the city. The lyrics convey the struggle to move on from a past relationship and the yearning for human connection. The cyclical nature of the job serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's attempt to distract themselves from their emotions, and ultimately, they recognize the unfairness of being alone.