Free Advice wrote:
The Last Train to Clarksville by the Monkees
This is an anti-war song protesting the Vietnam War and the draft. Songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart were from Nashville, and when people from that area were drafted they were first sent to Ft. Campbell, KY just outside of Clarksville TN.
Draftees were given a train ticket to Clarksville , "Be there by 4:30, I've made your reservation". It was considered the last train because "I don't know if I'm ever coming home. Oh no no no."
Man, some of you are dense.
Yes, this is about a solider going to war (and now the parts you leave out) and calling his girlfried to take the last train the clarksville so they can spend one last night before he leaves.
It is neither pro war or anti war. It's the life of a solider - going away for what might be his (or her now) time and wanting to see his love one last time.
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Take the last train to Clarksville (his GF should take the last train)
And I'll meet you at the station (he'll be waiting)
You can be there by four-thirty (no need to be early and buy a ticket, cuz)
'Cause I've made your reservation, don't be slow
Cause I'm leaving in the morning
And I must see you again
We'll have one more night together
Till the morning brings my train and I must go
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This is turning into a great thread about songs people hate because they completely misunderstand them:)
First Sweet Home Alabama, now Last Train to Clarksville. Maybe this thread can help some people:)