Meaning of Two Trains Runnin’ by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's song "Two Trains Runnin'" is a poetic masterpiece that delves deep into the complex themes of love, desire, and self-reflection. Through vivid imagery, Dylan takes listeners on a journey of a troubled individual who finds himself torn between two paths, two trains running in opposite directions. At its core, the song explores the choices we make in life and the consequences that come with them.The opening lines immediately set the tone for the song, introducing the two trains running in different directions. This imagery represents the choices we face in life, whether it's taking the safer, predictable path or embracing the unknown and chasing our desires. The timing of these trains, one leaving at midnight and the other at the break of day, symbolizes the pivotal moments in life where decisions must be made."I've been troubled, I've been a foolI've been crazy my whole lifeWell, I done fell in loveWith another man's wife"These lyrics unravel a deeper layer of the song's theme – the pursuit of forbidden love. The speaker acknowledges his own faults and foolishness, having fallen in love with someone he shouldn't have. This theme further emphasizes the idea of choices and the repercussions they bring. It explores the conflict between passion and morality, shedding light on the inner turmoil faced by individuals in such situations."I'm gonna find me a womanWho shines like a morning starI'm gonna find me a womanRide like a Cadillac car"In these verses, the speaker expresses a longing for a new love, someone who shines brightly and brings light into his life. The metaphor comparing a woman to a morning star suggests that he seeks someone who radiates beauty, positivity, and hope. By comparing this ideal woman to a Cadillac car, he highlights his desire for a smooth, exciting, and luxurious relationship. This theme delves into the yearning for a fresh start and the search for happiness."Well, I'm afraid of everybodyAnd I can't trust myselfWell, the woman I love hasPut me on top of the shelf"These lyrics delve into the theme of self-doubt and trust issues. The speaker confesses his fear of others, suggesting that he has been betrayed or hurt in the past. The line about the woman he loves putting him "on top of the shelf" conveys a feeling of being kept aside or neglected. This explores the theme of vulnerability and the struggle to trust others, even when love is involved.Throughout the song, Dylan masterfully weaves together various themes that all stem from the overarching idea of choices and their consequences. The pursuit of forbidden love, the search for happiness, and the struggle with trust and self-doubt all intertwine to create a complex narrative. Dylan's introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and contemplate the choices they make."Two Trains Runnin'" serves as a reminder that life is a series of decisions, each with its own set of outcomes. Whether we choose the predictable route or chase our deepest desires, we must be prepared to face the consequences. This timeless song resonates with audiences, captivating them with its rich storytelling and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.So let the trains run, let them carry us to the brink of these pivotal moments – the midnight and the break of day. It is in these moments that we define our lives, forging our own paths through the choices we make. And as the song suggests, finding the courage to embrace the unknown and pursue our desires might just lead us to a destination where the morning star shines bright, and the Cadillac rides smooth.