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

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Christopher Cross

Christopher CrossSongwriter Interviews

The man who created Yacht Rock with "Sailing" wrote one of his biggest hits while on acid.