Ridin’ on a hurt train
Making tracks
Ridin’ on a hurt train
Ain’t no turnin’ back
I’m out here on a hurt train
The moanin’ of the rails
Seems like a sad song
Last call farewell
A hundred tons of cold steel
Rustin’ in the rain
The singin’ of the rollin’ wheels
Are callin’ out her name
That whistle keeps blowin’
That high lonesome sound
It tells me where I’m goin’
Is gonna be a long way down
Ridin’ on a hurt train
Making tracks
Ridin’ on a hurt train
Ain’t no turnin’ back
I’m out here on a hurt train
The moanin’ of the rails
Seems like a sad song
Last call farewell
Now here I sit loaded
Wondering what went wrong
The whiskey I can hold it
I just don’t know how long
I’m out here on a hurt train
A hundred tons of cold steel
Rustin’ in the rain
The singin’ of the rollin’ wheels
Are callin’ out her name
Ridin’ on a hurt train
Making tracks
Ridin’ on a hurt train
Ain’t no turnin’ back
I’m out here on a hurt train
The moanin’ of the rails
Seems like a sad song
Last call farewell
Ain’t no turnin’ back
Riding the Tracks of Heartache
“Hurt Train” by Brooks & Dunn is a poignant journey through the aftermath of loss and heartbreak. The recurring imagery of a train, unstoppable and relentless, mirrors the emotional weight carried by the narrator. Lines like “Ain’t no turnin’ back” and “The moanin’ of the rails, seems like a sad song” evoke a sense of inevitability and sorrow, as if pain itself is a destination. The cold steel and the constant movement suggest that healing is distant, and every mile traveled is filled with reflection and regret.
The Symbolism of Motion and Memory
The lyrics weave together elements of solitude, longing, and resignation. The train’s whistle, the rusting steel, and the rolling wheels all serve as metaphors for the persistence of memory and the difficulty of escaping one’s past. The narrator’s struggle with whiskey hints at attempts to cope, while the mention of “last call farewell” underscores a sense of finality. Ultimately, “Hurt Train” captures the universal experience of moving forward while still being tethered to what’s left behind.
Song Credits
“Hurt Train” is performed by Brooks & Dunn. Songwriting credits go to Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride. The song was released in 2001.