Divine Simplicity Focus on the things that matter…sweep aside the things that don't.

I don’t mention it very often, but I’m a big blues guitar fan. Most of the blues guitarists I like would make any top 100 best list.  They include, in no particular order, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King and Joe Bonamassa.  I would add the oft underrated Jon Mayer to this distinguished list. If you won’t take my word for it, Eric Clapton said Mayer, “doesn’t even know how good he is” and has called him a “master” guitarist.

While he is not lauded as a poet or lyricist, many of Mayers’ songs have wonderful lyrics.  One of my favorites is “Stop This Train. The lyrics are a reflection on Mayer’s stressful, fast-moving life and his struggle to deal with the inevitability of aging.

Mayer’s father Richard is Jewish. The younger Mayer has publicly spoken of his personal identification with Judaism. I like to think the lyrics to this song reflect some of this religious identification. Here’s my take on the lyrics. I’ve printed them below.

Stop This Train 

Lyrics Credit: http://www.songlyrics.com

No, I’m not color blind
I know the world is black and white
I try to keep an open mind
But I just can’t sleep on this, tonight

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can’t take the speed it’s moving in
I know I can’t
But, honestly, won’t someone stop this train?

Don’t know how else to say it
I don’t want to see my parents go
One generation’s length away
From fighting life out on my own

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can’t take the speed it’s moving in
I know I can’t
But, honestly, won’t someone stop this train?

So scared of getting older
I’m only good at being young
So I play the numbers game
To find a way to say that life has just begun

Had a talk with my old man
Said, “Help me understand”
He said, “Turn sixty-eight
You’ll renegotiate”

“Don’t stop this train
Don’t for a minute change the place you’re in
And don’t think I couldn’t ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly, we’ll never stop this train”

Once in a while, when it’s good
It’ll feel like it should
When you’re all still around
And you’re still safe and sound
And you don’t miss a thing
‘Till you cry when you’re driving away in the dark
Singing, stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can’t take the speed it’s moving in
I know, I can’t
‘Cause now I see I’ll never stop this train.

Lyrics Credit: http://www.songlyrics.com

Trusting God When Life Won’t Slow Down

The lyrics captures a feeling that many who read this will know too well—a longing to slow down, escape the rush, and to return to a simpler time. But as Christ followers we’re reminded that while we can’t stop the train of time, we can trust Him who created the foundation upon which the train tracks are laid.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5-6

The Inevitability of Aging

Mayer’s lyrics speaks directly to the aches of growing older, the dread of losing those we love, and the longing for inner peace and stability in a world that constantly changes. These are common human emotions. The Bible speaks directly to them. Psalm 90:10 reminds us of life’s brevity; Ecclesiastes 3:20 reminds us that we were all made from dust and to dust we will return; while Psalm 23:4 assures us of God’s presence even in the dark valley, including the darkest “Valley of Death.”

The words “Stop this train, I want to get off and go home again,” is a cry for peace of mind, comfort, familiarity, and stability. As Christians, we know that home isn’t a place we left; it’s a destination ahead in eternity with God. Hebrews 13:14 tells us we’re seeking a city yet to come and Revelation 21:4 promises a future free of pain, tears or death.

Mayer’s father makes a cameo appearance in the lyrics.  His wise advice to son John is, “Don’t stop this train.” The father’s advice echoes Paul’s call to embrace each of Life’s season with faith. Paul learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11), and we’re invited to do the same, trusting that God is with us through every twisting, turning, climbing, and descending moment.

I hope these lyrics remind you not of what you’ve lost, but of the hope you have in Christ. This train of life we’re riding may not stop—but we’ll’ never ride alone. Lord, teach us to embrace each season of life with faith, knowing that You are with us and that every believer’s future is secure in You.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. —Ecclesiastes 3:1

The journey we’re each called to make is from the dead-end of putting faith in ourselves, or in some other finite creature, to the expanding horizon of trusting our Creator, following His lead, loving like He loves. And the vehicle, the means of conveyance, the way to get there, is the Word, Jesus, God’s Word who set up His tent, His tabernacle, in our midst.  —Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour

Listen – Stop This Train by John Mayer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS2o4q7vRFM)