Meaning of Son Of A Prison Guard by Train

In Train's powerful and thought-provoking song, "Son Of A Prison Guard," the band delves into the complexities of love, familial relationships, and the challenges of fulfilling expectations. The song's overall theme revolves around the protagonist's struggle to navigate a world shaped by his mother's intense love as the son of a prison guard. Through poignant lyrics and emotive storytelling, Train touches upon various themes that further develop the song's central message.One standout lyric is, "A wild imagination of convicts in the yard, never enough time to make ends meet, so they put it on a credit card." This lyric highlights the constant struggle faced by the protagonist and his family. It explores the theme of financial hardship and the temptation to rely on credit as a way to cope with the mounting bills. The mention of convicts in the yard symbolizes the constraints and pressures that exist within their lives, mirroring the challenges faced by prisoners under the watch of the prison guard's son.Another memorable lyric is, "What's fine enough to me is just too hard for a son of a prison guard." Here, the songwriter delves into the theme of unattainable standards and expectations. The protagonist feels the weight of his mother's love and the high bar she sets for him. In his eyes, even what may be perceived as success for others is not good enough for a child of his background. This lyric emphasizes the burden carried by the protagonist as he struggles to live up to the image his mother has created.Train also touches on the theme of unrequited love in the lyric: "But the only one she loved was a prison guard." This lyric explores the concept of misplaced affection and the feelings of inadequacy that come with it. The protagonist observes his mother's love for a prison guard, someone who exists in a different reality and who is not him. This theme highlights the pain and longing the protagonist feels, as he yearns for a love that may forever be out of reach.The song also explores the theme of missed opportunities through the lyric: "Wish we would have worked more, baby instead of loving you that way, no way." This line delves into the regrets one may experience when reflecting on their choices. The protagonist realizes that maybe they should have prioritized work over love, implying that their devotion to others hindered their own progress. This theme resonates with the pressures and sacrifices the son of a prison guard may feel, as they try to navigate a world where their own ambitions clash with societal expectations.Ultimately, the overarching theme of "Son Of A Prison Guard" revolves around the complexities of love, familial dynamics, and the struggle to meet expectations. Train's poignant lyrics explore unexpected themes such as financial hardship, unattainable standards, unrequited love, and missed opportunities. Through these imaginative and thought-provoking themes, the song captures the universal experience of grappling with the many facets of our lives. With heartfelt storytelling and evocative imagery, Train invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys and the ways in which they navigate the various challenges that arise.