“Locomotive Breath” is a classic rock song by British progressive rock band Jethro Tull, released in 1971 as part of their album “Aqualung.” The song is notable for its distinctive flute riff played by the band’s frontman Ian Anderson, alongside powerful guitar work and driving rhythms. The lyrics of “Locomotive Breath” are often interpreted as a commentary on the frenetic pace of modern life and the struggle to keep up with it.
The imagery of a train’s relentless motion, coupled with lines like “The train it won’t stop going, no way to slow down,” evoke a sense of urgency and inevitability. Some interpretations suggest that the song is a critique of consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material wealth, while others see it as a broader commentary on the human condition and the passage of time.
It was my first song that was perhaps on a topic that would be a little more appropriate to today’s world. It was about the runaway train of population growth and capitalism, it was based on those sorts of unstoppable ideas. We’re on this crazy train, we can’t get off it. Where is it going? Bearing in mind, of course, when I was born in 1947, the population of planet earth was slightly less than a third of what it is today, so it should be a sobering thought that in one man’s lifetime, our planetary population has more than tripled. You’d think population growth would have brought prosperity, happiness, food and a reasonable spread of wealth, but quite the opposite has happened. And is happening even more to this day. Without putting it into too much literal detail, that was what lay behind that song.
Ian Anderson
The song’s release came at a time of social and political upheaval, with the early 1970s seeing significant cultural shifts and protests against the Vietnam War. As such, “Locomotive Breath” struck a chord with many listeners who identified with its themes of frustration and disillusionment. It was released as a single in the US as a single in 1971, backed with “Wind-Up”, though it did not chart.
Band
- Ian Anderson – flute, lead vocals, bass drum, hi-hat, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
- John Evan – piano
- Martin Barre – electric guitar
- Jeffrey Hammond – bass guitar
- Clive Bunker – drums
A 1976 single release of the song, backed with “Fat Man”, was more successful, reaching number 59 on the Billboard charts and number 85 in Canada. The song was also released as the B-side to “Hymn 43”. Musically, “Locomotive Breath” showcases the eclectic style of Jethro Tull, blending elements of rock, blues, and folk with Anderson’s virtuosic flute playing.
The train motif in the song “Locomotive Breath”, including the chugging guitar line, can be likened to an unstoppable force that can represent good or bad, depending on your place in the world. Those concerned about pollution and climate change may see a diesel-powered train spewing black smoke into the air, hauling coal to a power plant to be burned to create even more pollution. Others may see a train bringing supplies that contribute to their own comfort and leisure. Both are true. The train is a perfect metaphor for the duplicitous nature of the industrial revolution – something that made our lives better… and worse… More convenient but perhaps, less happy.
Justin Beckner – Ultimate Guitar
The song’s driving rhythm and dynamic shifts reflect the band’s progressive rock roots, while its memorable melody and powerful lyrics have ensured its lasting popularity. In conclusion, “Locomotive Breath” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Its powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and iconic flute riff have cemented its place as one of Jethro Tull’s most enduring and beloved songs.
Locomotive Breath wriiten by Ian Anderson
In the shuffling madness
Of the locomotive breath
Runs the all-time loser
Headlong to his death
Oh, he feels the piston scraping
Steam breaking on his brow
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train it won't stop
Oh no way to slow down
He sees his children jumping off
At the stations one by one
His woman and his best friend
In bed and having fun
Oh, he's crawling down the corridor
On his hands and knees
Old Charlie stole the handle
And the train it won't stop going
No way to slow down
Hey
He hears the silence howling
Catches angels as they fall
And the all-time winner
Has got him by the balls
Oh, he picks up Gideons bible
Open at page one
I think God he stole the handle
And the train it won't stop going
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
No way to slow down
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Locomotive Breath” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotive_Breath
- Discogs “Locomotive Breath / Fat Man” https://www.discogs.com/release/5521097-Jethro-Tull-Locomotive-Breath-Fat-Man
- SongMeanings “Locomotive Breath – Jethro Tull” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/14216/
- Ultimate Guitar “The Hidden Story Behind Jethro Tull’s ‘Locomotive Breath’ That You (Probably) Don’t Know” https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/the_hidden_story_behind_jethro_tulls_locomotive_breath_that_you_probably_dont_know.html
