"It's about friends who've served in the military," noted singer Chris Robertson, "and it's kinda anti-war, although we're very grateful for the men and women who fight for our country."[1]
With a heavy chugging riff, deep growly vocals, and distorted and aggressive heavy metal sound, 'Lonely Train' is atypical of the group's Southern rock-style sound.
Music video
The video's use of black and white evokes a dark, gloomy feeling. In it, the band play in a warehouse in post-Hurricane KatrinaNew Orleans, which they considered an appropriate setting for the song's sentiment.