Post World War II Blues

Album: Past, Present & Future (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Post World War II Blues" is a whimsical and very cleverly constructed autobiographical song which contains many contemporary references to events which occurred as Stewart grew up and later established himself on the folk circuit, including the Suez Crisis, the death of Buddy Holly, and the Christine Keeler affair.
  • In Neville Judd's authorized biography, it is pointed out that Al's mother did not agree entirely with the bleak picture he painted of his boyhood, for example:

    "Hard times written in my mother's looks, with her widow's pension and her ration books."

    Alastair Ian Stewart was born September 5, 1945 in Glasgow; his father was killed in March 1945 shortly before his 25th birthday, but in spite of this tragedy, the widow Stewart was left well provided for, and ration books were universal after the end of the Second World War. Al's pregnant mother - who was English - went to live with her father-in-law at Greenock, and later moved back to England. She did though say that the young Al liked The Goon Show and Life With The Lyons, both of which are alluded to in the song. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 5

  • Joni from New York, Ny"Anyway, I'm gonna dedicate this song real quick. And I'm not gonna say anything offensive so that we can make it on TV. This is the song that is not dedicated to drinking or drug addiction or any of that kind of stuff. This song is basically about a walk in the park. This is something called 'Nightrain'."

    Slash (Ritz '88)
  • Chris from New Albany, InThe reason the people of the website spelled it "Night Train" is because it's either a mistake, or they are referring to the cheap booze, "Night Train." Guns N' Roses changed the song name to "Nightrain" instead of "Night Train" to avoid lawsuit from the company of the drink.
  • Echo from Normalville, MaI LOVE GNR AND NIRVANA AND PEARL JAM!!!!

    (it's very weird)
  • Danny from Des Moines, IaI don't know, but it deserves two slots, damn it!
  • Spencer from Mcbride, Canadawhy is there a night train and a nightrain?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?