"Coal Train Robberies" is a song by Elvis Costello from his album "Spike," released in 1989. The lyrics paint a dark and introspective picture of society, with multiple layers of meaning and social commentary. The song starts with a reference to a coal train coming to rest in a bitter cutting. This can symbolize the stagnation or decline of industry or progress. The lyrics then describe how easy it is to take advantage of the situation, suggesting that people are willing to exploit others when they are vulnerable. The song then shifts to the theme of destruction and violence. Going to the movies to watch things being smashed up is mentioned, implying a fascination with chaos and destruction. The reference to the karaoke girls squealing the hits and a Mercedes-Benz being blown to bits suggests a shallow and materialistic culture addicted to spectacle. The following lines mention a black-face minstrel show, which were popular entertainment in the past but are recognized today as highly racist and offensive. This suggests the idea of people profiting from and exploiting the cultural heritage and experiences of others for their own gain, while the innocent and vulnerable (barefoot children) are left to suffer. The chorus then introduces the concept of a coal-train robbery, which is a metaphorical representation of societal theft or corruption. It signifies how the powerful take advantage of the vulnerable and the system allows it to happen. This is seen as a separate world that needs to be exposed and changed. As the song progresses, Costello criticizes the corrupt and deceitful nature of those in power. He condemns advertising agencies for manipulating people's feelings and perceptions to sell them things they already own. The lyrics also express a hope that those who destroy and exploit others will not be mourned when they eventually meet their end. The song concludes with Costello asserting his departure, suggesting he is distancing himself from the corruption and deceit he has described. The line about chopping up the chairs for firewood can symbolize a rejection of materialistic comforts, choosing to live more simply and honestly. Overall, "Coal Train Robberies" is a critique of a society that values spectacle, exploitation, and deceit at the expense of the innocent. It calls for awareness and resistance against the corrupt forces that operate within it.
