Songs That Changed the World--The Most Important Songs of the Rock Era: "Runaway Train" by Soul Asylum

We have included 103 songs so far in the special that began September 1.  All contain valuable messages for mankind and are powerful.  Songs about love, peace, brotherhood, understanding, improving ourselves, having self-worth, consideration for others.  Although all of these 103 are important, incredibly so, I have intentionally saved some of the best for last.


This song is about the problem of runaways.  They feel lost, disconnected, they feel as if they don't fit in, that they can't talk to anyone, that no one loves or cares for them.  Soul Asylum treated the subject as good as anyone I've ever heard of in this song.  As we get ready for the holiday season, take a look around and make sure that no one around you feels hopeless.


I don't like featuring clips with ads; in fact I avoid them if possible.  However, the video to this song is as powerful as the message of the song and deserves to be seen.

"Runaway Train"

by Soul Asylum

Written by Dave Pirner

Call you up in the middle of the night
like a firefly without a light
you were there like a blowtorch burning
i was a key that could use a little turning
so tired that i couldn't even sleep
so many secrets i couldn't keep
promised myself i wouldn't weep
one more promise i couldn't keep

it seems no one can help me now
I'm in too deep
there's no way out
this time i have really lead myself astray

runaway train, never goin' back
wrong way on a one-way track
seems like i should be getting somewhere
somehow I'm neither here nor there

can you help me remember how to smile?
make it somehow all seem worthwhile
how on earth did i get so jaded?
life's mysteries seem so faded
i can go where no one else can go
i know what no one else knows
here i am just drownin' in the rain
with a ticket for a runaway train

and everything seems cut and dry
day and night
earth and sky
somehow i just don't believe it

runaway train, never goin' back
wrong way on a one-way track
seems like i should be getting somewhere
somehow I'm neither here nor there

bought a ticket for a runaway train
like a madman laughing at the rain
little out of touch, little insane
it's just easier than dealing with the pain

runaway train, never goin' back
wrong way on a one-way track
seems like i should be getting somewhere
somehow I'm neither here nor there

runaway train, never comin' back
runaway train, tearin' up the track
runaway train, burnin' in my veins
i run away but it always seems the same