"Ghost Train" by Elvis Costello and The Attractions is a song that tells the story of two characters named Maureen and Stan who are looking for a job. They have songs for every occasion and engage in some sort of limelight robbery, perhaps trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry. However, nobody is willing to employ them, leaving them feeling lost and hopeless. The lyrics mention that Stan autographs his overdraft, implying that he is struggling financially. Meanwhile, Maureen is growing increasingly frustrated and desperate. They are depicted as being stuck on the wall with a thousand faces, unwanted and unnoticed by society. The reference to unwanted posters of haunted places suggests that they are troubled and haunted in some way, both mentally and emotionally. The chorus talks about a ghost train, symbolizing a journey that takes them through the city. It invites people to step up and show their face, but only the pretty ones (the attractive, seemingly perfect individuals) are wanted. This reflects the superficiality and unrealistic standards often imposed by society. The song also mentions Maureen and Stan at a skating rink, looking for a drummer who threw up in the sink. This scene contributes to the chaotic and eccentric nature of their lives. They dress up like dice, perhaps representing the unpredictability and gamble they take in their pursuit of success. The mention of freezing to death on the ice alludes to the possibility of failure and the harsh realities they face. The lyrics further describe the way Maureen dances gracefully, with one foot speaking and the other answering. This could imply that she is skilled at masking her true emotions and putting on a facade, possibly to fit into society's expectations. The final verses mention their respective roles - Maureen playing the queen of the fleapit, which is a low-class theater, and Stan playing a Spanish guitar. However, Stan has a black eye from a waitress, indicating that their lives are far from glamorous. They may encounter difficulties and disappointments along their journey. The song ends by highlighting the theme of rejection and the impossibility of changing one's face. It suggests that they can be refused, replaced, and renamed, but they cannot change who they truly are. Despite pretending that it's just another holiday, their facade crumbles when someone refers to them as jokers. Overall, "Ghost Train" captures the struggles, frustrations, and insecurities faced by Maureen and Stan as they pursue their dreams of success in the music industry. It criticizes society's obsession with external beauty and emphasizes the harsh realities faced by those who do not fit society's standards.
