About the Song
“Trains Make Me Lonesome” by George Strait, from his 1992 album Holding My Own, is a heartfelt, melancholic ballad that taps into the universal theme of longing and separation, delivered in Strait’s signature smooth style. The song isn’t just about the physical journey of a train; it’s about the emotional journey of missing someone deeply and feeling the weight of that absence every time the sound of a train echoes in the distance.
Lyrically, the song explores how trains symbolize both movement and emotional isolation. For the narrator, each time a train passes, it reminds him of a love lost—“Trains make me lonesome / And they make me blue.” The song uses the imagery of a train ride as a metaphor for life’s loneliness and the constant reminder of someone who’s no longer there. The trains, with their rhythmic sound and travel, become a symbol of distance and separation, even when the narrator is trying to carry on with his life.
George Strait’s vocal performance in this song is subtle and soulful. He doesn’t overdo the emotion, but instead brings a quiet loneliness and longing to the delivery. His smooth baritone, so often associated with heartache, shines here as he conveys the feeling of missing someone in a simple yet profound way. There’s an emotional restraint in his voice that adds weight to the sadness of the lyrics, making the song resonate even more.
Musically, the arrangement is classic George Strait—acoustic guitars, subtle steel guitar, and a soft, steady rhythm section that complements the tone of the song. The arrangement is understated, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics and Strait’s voice to be the focal point. The rhythm of the song mimics the sound of a train moving down the tracks, making it feel like the train is a constant, persistent presence in the narrator’s life.
In the context of Holding My Own, an album that features both upbeat, honky-tonk tracks and softer, more introspective songs, “Trains Make Me Lonesome” offers a quieter, more reflective moment. It demonstrates Strait’s ability to balance emotional depth with simplicity, showing that sometimes less is more when it comes to conveying heartbreak and longing.