Song Meaning

Kevin Johansen's "Train of Thought" isn't just a breezy melody; it's a deceptively simple meditation on navigating the chaotic, often delayed journey of, well, thought itself. The opening lines establish a relatable scenario: missing one train (idea, opportunity) but quickly hopping on the next. This speaks to a resilient, almost nonchalant approach to creative and intellectual pursuits. There's an acceptance of imperfection, a knowing wink that being "usually late" is part of the process. It's the artistic temperament distilled: ideas arrive when they damn well please, and the trick is to be ready for the next one. The beauty lies in the 'commute,' the in-between spaces where unexpected connections form. The lyrics dance around the concept of time, not as a rigid constraint, but as a fluid companion. Johansen isn't stressing about express versus local routes; he trusts the process. This relaxed attitude hints at a deeper understanding of how creative insights actually emerge. It's less about forcing a destination and more about enjoying the scenery along the way. The chorus, with its repeated emphasis on arriving "in good time," reinforces this sense of trust and patience. It's a quiet rebellion against the pressure to constantly produce, to always be "on." Ultimately, "Train of Thought," reveals a comfortable acceptance of life's meandering path. The fleeting, almost throwaway lines in parenthesis, "I'll catch my next train of thought / Or I'll miss it / Who'd of thought_?" encapsulate the song's central theme: the unpredictable, often absurd nature of inspiration. It's a reminder to embrace the unexpected detours and to find beauty in the spaces between destinations. The song meaning resides in the journey itself, the willingness to keep riding the rails, even when you're not entirely sure where you're going.