The Monkees were a pop-rock group formed in the mid-1960s for a comedy TV show about a band of young musicians. The members were Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork.
Although they started as actors playing a band, they soon became real musicians, making hit songs like I’m a Believer and Daydream Believer. At first, they mostly sang while studio musicians played the instruments, but later they fought for and gained control over their own music.
Their TV show and catchy songs made them one of the most popular bands of the 1960s. Even after the show ended, their music remained loved by fans for many years.
About the Song
Last Train to Clarksville is about a man asking his loved one to meet him at the train station before he leaves, possibly for a long time. The song hints at the sadness and worry of saying goodbye, as he might not return home.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | August 16, 1966 |
| Album | Monkeemania (The Very Best of the Monkees) (2011) |
| Writers | Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart |
| Producers | Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart |
History and Meaning of the Song
Last Train to Clarksville was released in 1966 and quickly became a big hit. The song was written during the Vietnam War era, a time when many young men were being sent away, causing worry and sadness for families.
The story in the song is about a man asking his loved one to meet him at the train station before he leaves, maybe for a long time or forever.
The lyrics never directly mention war, but lines like “I don’t know if I’m ever coming home” suggest he might be going off to something dangerous, like being sent to fight.
The writers made the message subtle because they couldn’t be too direct about serious topics in a pop song for TV.
Even though the music is upbeat and catchy, the real meaning is more serious, and many people at the time understood the hidden message about saying goodbye and the fear of not coming back.
Read Full Lyrics of Last Train to Clarksville
Verse 1
Take the last train to Clarksville
And I’ll meet you at the station
You can be here by four thirty
‘Cause I’ve made your reservation
Don’t be slow
Oh, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no
Verse 2
‘Cause I’m leaving in the morning
And I must see you again
We’ll have one more night together (Train)
‘Til the morning brings my train and I must go
Oh, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home
Verse 3
Take the last train to Clarksville (Train)
I’ll be waiting at the station
We’ll have time for coffee-flavored kisses (Train)
And a bit of conversation, oh
Oh, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no
Bridge
Do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do
Verse 4
Take the last train to Clarksville
Now I must hang up the phone
I can’t hear you in this noisy railroad station all alone
I’m feeling low
Oh, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home
Verse 5
Take the last train to Clarksville
And I’ll meet you at the station
You can be here by four thirty (Train)
‘Cause I made your reservation
Don’t be slow
Oh, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home
Outro
Take the last train to Clarksville (Train)
Take the last train to Clarksville (Train)
Take the last train to Clarksville (Train)
Take the last train to Clarksville (Train)
Live Performance of Last Train to Clarksville
Similar Songs Like Last Train to Clarksville
If Last Train to Clarksville is one of your favorites, check out these other songs that mix catchy music with meaningful lyrics.
- I’m a Believer: A fun, upbeat song about being surprised by love. Its a happy melody that makes it easy to sing along, while the lyrics show the joy of finding someone special.
- Daydream Believer: This track sounds cheerful, but tells a story about lost dreams and the realities of life. It combines hope and sadness, illustrating how people sometimes conceal their worries behind a smile.
- Pleasant Valley Sunday: A colorful song that talks about the routines of suburban life. The music is energetic, but the words question whether people are pleased.
- A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: Starts with a catchy rhythm and gets into relationship compromise. It suggests love needs both sides to meet in the middle.
Similar Artists Like The Monkees
Looking for more music with the same bright harmonies and upbeat style? These bands deliver that familiar, timeless ’60s vibe.
- The Beatles
Genre: Rock, Pop Rock
Top Albums: Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) - Herman’s Hermits
Genre: Pop Rock, British Invasion
Top Albums: Herman’s Hermits on Tour (1965), Hold On! (1966), Blaze (1967) - The Turtles
Genre: Psychedelic Pop, Folk Rock
Top Albums: Happy Together (1967), Battle of the Bands (1968), Turtle Soup (1969) - Paul Revere & the Raiders
Genre: Garage Rock, Pop Rock
Top Albums: Midnight Ride (1966), Revolution! (1967), Something Happening (1968)
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Last Train to Clarksville Chart Outside the US?
Yes, it reached #1 in Canada and the top 10 in several other countries.
Who Sang Lead Vocals on Last Train to Clarksville?
Micky Dolenz performed the lead vocals on the track.
What Helped Last Train to Clarksville Climb the National Charts?
Strong radio play, TV show exposure, and teen appeal all contributed to its popularity.
