The creative journey of songwriting can often be unpredictable, filled with unexpected turns and revisions. This was certainly the case with “Train of Fools,” a track from the album Wrote a Song for Everyone. The initial conception of this Train Song was quite different from its final, more profound form. The pressure was on to deliver a song quickly, as studio time with the band was rapidly approaching.
The first attempt at “Train of Fools” leaned towards a rather comical and ultimately unsatisfactory direction. Imagine a caricature, an Elvis impersonator in his later years, belting out a tune – that was the spirit of the first draft. It was catchy, with a “hoo-a hoo-a train of fools” refrain, but it lacked depth and substance. Faced with the looming deadline, this initial version was completed, yet it was clear it wasn’t hitting the mark. Recognizing its shortcomings, a step back was necessary. Surprisingly, the title “Train of Fools” still held potential, despite the misstep. Often, when a song idea goes wrong, it needs to be shelved for a while to clear the creative palate.
But the core concept of a “train of fools” was compelling. It sparked a vision of characters, each with their own story and baggage, riding this metaphorical train. The idea evolved into something akin to a morality play, a narrative populated by archetypes. Reflecting on it later, the imagery evoked the classic television series Twilight Zone, with its enigmatic host Rod Serling introducing each character: “Here’s the gambler, the loser, and the deceitful maiden.”
Although the train song was written and even recorded with the band at this stage, a sense of incompleteness lingered. The song had a narrative flow, describing the journey of these characters, but it lacked a definitive resolution, a powerful takeaway. It needed more weight, a stronger conclusion. Despite the time and effort already invested in the recording, the willingness to discard it and start again was there, driven by the desire to get it right.
Within the lyrics of “Train of Fools,” the line “One will be addicted / Chained to the devil’s cross / That one’s going to die before he’s old” emerged as a potential ending. This line, followed by the chorus, served as the initial conclusion.
However, the search for a more resonant ending continued. The perspective shifted towards vulnerability, focusing on a child. This led to the lines: “This one is a victim / A lost and broken child / Soon enough he’ll be a man to hate.” These lines added a layer of pathos and complexity, hinting at the cyclical nature of hardship and resentment. The next step was to find rhymes that would complement this sentiment. The idea of judgment and hypocrisy arose – those quick to judge others often share in the blame. This resulted in the line: “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame.” This was getting closer to a truly impactful conclusion.
Over a few days, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. A crucial addition emerged, transforming the ending and the song’s overall message. The line became: “Those that point their finger / Will also share the blame / No one leaves this train to judgment day.” This final line delivered the powerful and thought-provoking conclusion that was sought, solidifying “Train of Fools” as a compelling and complete train song.
