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Downbound Train Lyrics

Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Born In The U.S.A.

I had a job, I had a girl
I had something going, mister, in this world
I got laid off down at the lumber yard
Our love went bad, times got hard
Now I work down at the car wash
Where all it ever does is rain
Don't you feel like you're a rider on a downbound train

She just said, "Joe, I gotta go
We had it once, we ain't got it anymore"
She packed her bags, left me behind
She bought a ticket on the Central Line
Nights as I sleep, I hear that whistle whining
I feel her kiss in the misty rain
And I feel like I'm a rider on a downbound train

Last night I heard your voice
You were crying, crying, you were so alone
You said your love had never died
You were waiting for me at home
Put on my jacket, I ran through the woods
I ran till I thought my chest would explode
There in the clearing, beyond the highway
In the moonlight, our wedding house shone
I rushed through the yard
I burst through the front door, my head pounding hard
Up the stairs I climbed
The room was dark, our bed was empty
Then I heard that long whistle whine
And I dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried
Now I swing a sledge hammer on a railroad gang
Knocking down them cross ties, working in the rain
Now, don't it feel like you're a rider on a downbound train

Comments/Interpretations

by Essie on 8/22/2008 5:29am
Absolutely brilliant. Wonderful.

by Semi on 9/13/2008 2:13pm
You took the words right out of my mouth.

by Mikeysea on 9/18/2008 12:35pm
You are Both Correct. However, You should here the Smithereens Version from a Bruce Springsteen Tribute Cd.

Just as edgeier

by juanito on 10/24/2008 3:20pm
i heard this first through a cardigans concert cover...not a huge springsteen fan but i love this song!

by Samantha on 12/1/2008 8:17pm
Well put Bruce

by Cheryl L. P on 3/3/2009 7:01pm
The most moving lyrics I have ever heard. I am 60 yrs old as of 2/28/09 and I LOVE this song!!!
Thank you Bruce!

by Dan on 10/2/2009 5:36am
If you like these lyrics, check out Stolen Car off of The River. Those take these to a whole new level.

by Kate on 7/2/2011 6:34pm
My all-time Springsteen favorite. The first time I heard it (back in '85?), "I dropped on my knees -- hung my head and cried."