Can't Ignore The Train
10,000 Maniacs · The Wishing Chair [1985]
Steep is the water tower
painted off blue to match the sky
can't ignore the train
night walks in the valley silent
you could swear the earth just moved
can't ignore the train
dust to be kicked up
in the crack faced
idle sinister town
screen door to the rail station
devil in her shoe
ran along side the wasted tracks
hem pins darted her calves
can't ignore the train
one spoiled girl with the tidiest apology
some how wedged inside her throat
can't ignore the train
patience their virtue
but I never could abide by that
dungeon life with electric light
a clean towel and a basin
mantle figures mind their place
laughs where they belong
through adventure we are not adventuresome
rage to share with a wardrobe mirror
in a room so beige and cold
can't ignore the train
window days saw the children pick their
street games on thirty afternoons
Molly the boys are
starting in the rhymic again
teasing more and more....
the second daughter
how she fell
young locked in Some Folk's Prison
made to dwell
til they're braiding
her grey hair
sitting in the wishing chair
sitting in the wishing chair
sitting in the wishing chair
painted off blue to match the sky
can't ignore the train
night walks in the valley silent
you could swear the earth just moved
can't ignore the train
dust to be kicked up
in the crack faced
idle sinister town
screen door to the rail station
devil in her shoe
ran along side the wasted tracks
hem pins darted her calves
can't ignore the train
one spoiled girl with the tidiest apology
some how wedged inside her throat
can't ignore the train
patience their virtue
but I never could abide by that
dungeon life with electric light
a clean towel and a basin
mantle figures mind their place
laughs where they belong
through adventure we are not adventuresome
rage to share with a wardrobe mirror
in a room so beige and cold
can't ignore the train
window days saw the children pick their
street games on thirty afternoons
Molly the boys are
starting in the rhymic again
teasing more and more....
the second daughter
how she fell
young locked in Some Folk's Prison
made to dwell
til they're braiding
her grey hair
sitting in the wishing chair
sitting in the wishing chair
sitting in the wishing chair
Can't Ignore The Train
Released in 1985 on The Wishing Chair, 'Can't Ignore The Train' stands as a defining track for the 10,000 Maniacs, embodying the band's signature blend of indie rock and new wave. The song features the group's characteristic vocal harmonies and a driving rhythm that propelled them to critical acclaim during the mid-80s. As a staple of their discography, it captures the emotional intensity and melodic sophistication that made the 10,000 Maniacs a pivotal force in the alternative music scene of their era. The recording remains a touchstone for fans of the genre, showcasing the band's ability to craft anthemic songs that resonate deeply with listeners.