“Slow Train” is a song by Bob Dylan from his album “Slow Train Coming” which was released in 1979. This album marks a significant shift in Dylan’s career as it is the first of three albums where he explicitly explored themes of Christianity, as he had converted to Christianity in the late 1970s. This period in Dylan’s career is often referred to as his “born again” phase.
The song “Slow Train” and the album “Slow Train Coming” in general explore a variety of religious and moral themes. In “Slow Train,” Dylan uses the metaphor of a slow-moving train to express the idea that societal and moral changes are coming, but they are coming slowly. The song contains a critique of various social issues that Dylan perceived in society at the time.
Lyrically, Dylan is known for his use of symbolism and allegory, and this song is no exception. The lyrics are full of biblical allusions and moralistic warnings about the path that society is on, with the titular ‘slow train’ serving as a metaphor for the gradual and inevitable approach of judgement or change.
Here are 10 facts about the song:
- “Slow Train” is the title track of the album “Slow Train Coming,” released in 1979.
- The song is not as explicitly religious as other songs on the album but reflects Dylan’s evolving Christian faith.
- The song is seen as a critique of societal and moral decay in America, utilizing the metaphor of an impending “slow train.”
- While there’s a clear Christian undertone, the song’s lyrics do not specifically reference Christ or the Bible.
- The lyrics are interpreted as Dylan’s reflections on his concerns about the state of the world, including moral, social, and political issues.
- The song is characterized by its bluesy feel, representative of the overall sound of the “Slow Train Coming” album.
- The song features Mark Knopfler, the Dire Straits guitarist, who was also the album’s co-producer.
- Dylan’s gravelly vocal delivery on “Slow Train” has been noted by critics and listeners, reflecting the serious nature of the song’s themes.
- “Slow Train” has been covered by several artists across different genres, testifying to its impact and influence.
- While the song was not released as a single, it became a favorite in Dylan’s live performances and was featured in many of his concerts during this period.
10 facts about Slow Train Coming album
- “Slow Train Coming” is the 19th studio album by Bob Dylan, released on August 20, 1979.
- The album marked a significant shift in Dylan’s work as it was his first release since becoming a born-again Christian.
- The album was produced by Jerry Wexler, a veteran R&B producer known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, and Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler.
- It was recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, which was known for its work with numerous famous musicians and its distinctive “Muscle Shoals sound”.
- The album includes the hit song “Gotta Serve Somebody,” which won Dylan his first Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Male in 1980.
- The title track, “Slow Train,” became a favorite in Dylan’s live performances. Its lyrics reflect Dylan’s religious beliefs and his view of the moral and societal decay he saw in the world.
- Despite its religious overtones—or perhaps because of them—the album was commercially successful. It peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number three on the UK Albums Chart.
- Even though the album received mixed reviews initially due to its abrupt shift to Christian themes, it has since been recognized as one of the strong albums in Dylan’s discography.
- The cover art of the album, which features a train coming out of a rising (or setting) sun, was painted by Dylan’s brother, David Zimmerman.
- Several well-known musicians performed as session players on “Slow Train Coming,” including Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits fame), bassist Tim Drummond (who played with Neil Young), and keyboardist Barry Beckett.
Cansu Demir
