(Waiting for) the Ghost Train
Madness
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A straw headed woman, and a barrel chested man A pocket full of posies with a hat brim full of sand (Ooh ooh) waiting for the train that never comes A dog chasing the tumbleweeds, across the sandy floor That drift along the platform, through the ticket office door (Ooh ooh) waiting for the train that never comes (Ooh ooh ooh ooh) waiting for the train that never comes But don't tell me there's nothing coming, you don't fool me I hear the ghost train rumbling along the tracks - set them free And I hear them It's black and white, don't try to hide [x2] The station master's writing with a piece of orange chalk A hundred cancellations, still no one wants to walk Keep the hungry children from the skeleton in the back Paid to keep an eye out for the Gypsy caravan (Ooh ooh) waiting for the train that never comes (Ooh ooh ooh ooh) waiting for the train that never comes I hear the ghost train rumbling along the tracks - set them free And I hear them It's black and white, don't try to hide [x4] It's black and white (don't try) [x2] It's black and white, don't try to hide [x2] And I hear them It's black and white, don't try to hide [x2]
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Written by: CATHAL JOSEPH SMYTH, CHRISTOPHER JOHN FOREMAN, DANIEL MARK WOODGATE, GRAHAM MCPHERSON, LEE JAY THOMPSON, MARK WILLIAM BEDFORD, MICHAEL BARSON
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Release Information"(Waiting for) the Ghost Train" was released on 27 October 1986 as a standalone single by Madness.
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Chart PerformanceUpon its release, the song managed to reach number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. It became the band's 17th top 20 hit in their home country.
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Social MessageThe song can be seen as a critique on the UK government's decision to apply sanctions against apartheid in South Africa.
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Musical StyleLike many of Madness's songs, "(Waiting for) the Ghost Train" showcases the band's blend of pop and ska, a genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s.
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Band LineupThe song was recorded by the six original members of Madness: Graham "Suggs" McPherson, Chris Foreman, Mike Barson, Lee Thompson, Daniel Woodgate, and Mark Bedford.
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Song DurationThe track runs for 3 minutes and 44 seconds, relatively common for pop songs of the era.
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Album InclusionDespite being released as a standalone single, "(Waiting for) The Ghost Train" was later included in the band's compilation albums, 'Complete Madness' (1982), 'Divine Madness' (1992), and 'Total Madness' (2009).
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Music VideoThe song also features an engaging music video that was filmed in black and white, adding a nostalgic aura to the song that corresponds well with its ghostly theme.
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Final SingleThis song stands as the last single Madness released before they disbanded in 1986.
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ReformationInterestingly, the band re-formed in 1992, and "(Waiting for) The Ghost Train" was a key track performed during their reunion tours.
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Critical ReceptionWhile not treated as a classic, "(Waiting for) the Ghost Train" received a positive response from fans and critics for its catchy tune and thought-provoking lyrics.
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Citation
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"(Waiting for) the Ghost Train Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1543360/Madness/%28Waiting+for%29+the+Ghost+Train>.
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