Bad Day for Trains (song)

"Bad Day for Trains" is a song written and performed by the American singer-songwriter Bill Callahan. It appears on his 2009 album, Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle.

The song is characterized by its simple, acoustic instrumentation and Callahan's signature baritone vocals. Lyrically, "Bad Day for Trains" explores themes of isolation, contemplation, and the feeling of being disconnected from the world. The titular phrase serves as a metaphor for a day of general unease and disruption, a day when things don't quite align or function as they should.

While the literal meaning of trains experiencing difficulties isn't the primary focus, the song evokes a sense of travel and transit being stalled, reflecting an internal stagnation or emotional blockage experienced by the narrator. The song's tone is melancholic yet hopeful, suggesting a quiet resilience in the face of adversity. It's often interpreted as a reflection on the struggles of daily life and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.