Downtown Train

Album: Storyteller (1989)
Charted: 10 3
Play Video
  • Outside another yellow moon
    Has punched a hole in the night time mist
    I climb through the window and down to the street
    I'm shining like a new dime
    The downtown trains are full
    Full of all them Brooklyn girls
    They try so hard to break out of their little worlds

    You wave your hand and they scatter like crows
    They have nothing that'll ever capture your heart
    They're just thorns without the rose
    Be careful of them in the dark
    Oh if I was the one
    You chose to be your only one
    Oh baby
    Can't you hear me now
    Can't you hear me now

    Will I see you tonight
    On a downtown train
    Every night, every night
    It's just the same
    On a downtown train

    I know your window and I know it's late
    I know your stairs and your doorway
    I walk down your street and past your gate
    I stand by the light of the four way
    And watch them as they fall, oh baby
    They all having their heart attacks
    They stay at the carnival
    But they'll never win you back

    Will I see you tonight
    On a downtown train
    Every night, every night
    It's just the same
    You leave me lonely

    Will I see you tonight
    On a downtown train
    All my dreams, all my dreams
    Fall like rain
    On a downtown train

    Will I see you tonight
    On a downtown train
    Every night, every night
    It's just the same

    Will I see you tonight
    On a downtown train
    All my dreams, all my dreams
    Fall like rain
    On a downtown train

    On a downtown train
    All my dreams fall like rain
    On a downtown train

    Ooh ooh, ooh oooh
    Ooh ooh Writer/s: Tom Waits
    Publisher: JALMA MUSIC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 17

  • Al V. from San Diego, CaThe Ramones did a great cover of Waits's "I Don't Want To Grow Up".
  • Facts from The Real DealI used to love Rod Stewart back in the day, and I remember VIVIDLY hearing Casey Kasem tell the story of this song when it was floating in the top 40. According to Kasem, Stewart had offered the song to an up-and-coming band and, upon hearing of its potential chart-topper possibilities, recorded the song and released it just days before the band he offered it to could do the same. Needless to say, I never listened to Stewart ever again.
  • Sue Tee from OntarioRod's version is OK, BUT listen to the Everything But the Girl cover - so beautiful it'll make you cry ....
  • Jeremy from Sydney Criminal that this is not listed under Tom Waits. Special place in hell for those who have success with covers. Stewart shouldn’t even speak Tom Waits’ name let alone sing HIS song.
  • Susan from IllinoisI have only heard the Rod Stewart version. It’s one of his best, in my opinion. I also love the video. Rod Stewart styled his own hair for the video. He looks great!
  • Seventhmist from 7th HeavenAvoid Tom Waits' rendition of ANYTHING. His voice makes ears bleed.
  • Jorg from Utrecht, NetherlandsThis song was produced by Trevor Horn. Just like This old heart of mine.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhThis is the only version I ever heard; I like it. Just a nice song.
  • Rob from Farmingdale, NyI agree with David H: Patti Smyth's version is terrific, always my favorite and utterly forgotten. It was little heard to begin with. I heard it once and it stuck with me all years. Never heard Tom Waits version (talented songwriter and wonderful lyricist but unlistenable voice and too depressing) and Rod's is Rod-great but just Rod. Patti Smyth's version is fantastic, a great cover!
  • Camille from Toronto, OhNice song, the video was good, too.
  • Nick from Brisbane, AustraliaI LOVE the Tom Waits version, spare and heartfelt. The man's voice is shot to hell, but he knows how to sing a song.
  • Kenny from Clydebank, ScotlandRod the Mod has a great voice and his Jack the Lad image belies an amazing talent. He can pen a good song when he wants to, and his cover versions are often, like this one, better than the originals. Over the past few years, Rod and Elton John have come back into prominence; funny how we suddenly start playing their records again. Call it nostalgia, call it a dearth of new talent, call it what you will, Rod rocks and he's a patriotic Scot to boot (no pun on his love of football intended.) WHO'S THAT KNOCKING ON MY DOOR.... IT'S GOTTA BE A QUARTER TO FOUR.... Hot legs is another dynamite song.
  • Ethan from Portland, OrAvoid Tom Waits' version at all costs. Simply turgid. No passion whatsoever. At least Rod injects some feeling into it . . . to great effect, might I add.
  • Bill from Sellersville, PaAnyone ever hear the group "Eveyrthing But The Girl" rendition of this song? It's wonderful.
  • Anita from Nyc, NyTom Waits is a musical genius. So sad he doesn't even merit REAL inclusion in SONGFACTS -- just as a footnote to a very POOR cover and a marvelous song! On a fantastic album, "Rain Dogs." (editor's note: We usually list the songs under whatever artist had the best-known version.)
  • David from Haskell, NjPatty Smyth covered this song, IMNBO, much better
    then RS and TW. Its on the album Never Enough
    which the Hooters helped out with. Some really good songs on it too. Rod's storyteller anthology is a great collection. If you buy only one set of music, this would be a good one to buy.

  • Mark from Akron, OhBob Seger had recorded this song and played it for Rod. Rod liked the song and got his version of the song out before Seger's. Which supposedly angered Seger.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."