Merle Haggard：Meaning of My Love Affair With Trains Songmeaning

The song "My Love Affair with Trains" by Merle Haggard is a nostalgic reflection on his past experiences and emotions that were tied to trains. He expresses his inner conflict about feeling drawn to the allure of train travel while also having responsibilities to his family and job. The lyrics describe how every time he hears the sound of a train, he gets a faraway look in his eyes, wanting to throw down his hammer and take off to some distant town without saying goodbye. However, he acknowledges that he has to think about his family, his job, and his commitment to them. He nostalgically recounts how trains used to bring back old memories and make his hobo blood boil in his veins, but he gave up his freedom to settle down as a family man. He still feels the pull of wanting to jump on a train and ride, but he knows he cannot. Overall, the song represents the love and fascination many people have with trains and the freedom and adventure associated with them. It also touches on the sacrifices that one may have to make in life and the inner struggle that comes with them.