I don't get these lyrics

[luvsJack]

Based on my understanding of spiritual music, I believe the train represents zombies...

Well dang! Lol

I was reading and liking posts and thinking “how did this stay open past the first couple of posts?” And then you mention zombies. 2004!!

 

[tzolkin]

Well dang! Lol

I was reading and liking posts and thinking “how did this stay open past the first couple of posts?” And then you mention zombies. 2004!!

Yup, got me too. I was so wrapped up in, “wow an interesting religious discussion on the Dis; I wonder how long this will be open” that I didn’t even look at the dates.

Then Ms. Trudy got way too religious for the current rules and I figured that would to shut it down. Now I see it was resurrected just for the purpose of preaching.

 

[Hikergirl]

Ok, I understand that, but it seems sad to me, "the people keep a comin" what happens to them? Are they all the non believers? The train is gone, so no one can get a chance to get on?

They'll just have to wait about 20 minutes for the next one.

LOL, just caught the zombie reference too

 

[FlightlessDuck]

The song is an African-American Spiritual, with references going back to 1925 ("Saint Helena Island Spirituals". N.G.J. Ballanta)

The Catholic University of America has a disseration on the spirituals of St Helana Island, if you are interested. Although it's hundreds of pages.
https://cuislandora.wrlc.org/islandora/object/etd:203

So while the train imagery does seem to be related to some dogma, it's also has a double-meaning in regards to the Underground Railroad:

https://whyy.org/articles/undergrou...ngs-with-practical-advice-for-fleeing-slaves/

The book "The Homiletic of All Believers" talks a little about this song as being related to the Underground Railroad, and that the slaves of the time aligned themselves with Mary, in that both were seeking God's salavation (Mary in the birth of her child and the slaves in their hope for freedom).