Rancid

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Tim Armstrong]
He was an artist and a writer
And a poet
And a friend
In a man's life, he will take a fall
But how low he goes, it just depends
Yeah, he's shootin' dope in the men's room
At the station, Daly City Train
Have you ever seen an angel, well I know I have
Say they'll stay here for a while and they'll fly away

[Chorus]
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here

[Verse 2: Tim Armstrong]
Some grow up and some grow old
But what about the kid who never learned the rules?
Spent all these years on this earth
When you look back it's just a flicker of time
Jackyl was one of the one's that perished
Yeah, he was one of the one's that was already saved
Through all this evil and wreckage, yeah
He maintained a sense of himself, yeah
[Chorus]
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here

[Interlude]

[Bridge]
[?] it
Some men are in prison, even though they walk the streets at night
Other men who got the lock down are free as a bird in flight
How about the hour in the system that ended
In a one-way line? Our measures could not stand it
Yeah

[Chorus]
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here
Jackyl had a beer in his hand last time I'd seen him
But when he rolled the dice, ya know he never thought twice
Never thought twice about bein' here

Daly City Train by Rancid is a poignant tribute to a departed friend, recounted through the medium of music. The song's heartfelt and evocative lyrics convey the deep sense of loss and sadness that comes with losing someone you care about. At the same time, it paints a vivid picture of the colorful history of the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) and the role it played in the life of Daly City Train's subject.

About Daly City Train

Rancid's Daly City Train is a powerful and moving eulogy to a friend, who had suffered from drug addiction and a life of crime. The song is a heartfelt tribute to this person, who had managed to make such an impact on Rancid's life, despite the difficulties they faced.

With lyrics like "I'd see him downtown walking around alone in his own world," the song portrays a moving and compassionate picture of someone who was lonely, isolated, and marginalized within society.

The song portrays the trials and tribulations of a particular person's life, which was heavily shaped by drug addiction and criminal activities. Despite the hardships, the song's subject had strong connections to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, particularly the trains that traveled from Daly City to San Francisco.

The title of the song, Daly City Train, refers explicitly to these BART lines, which were designated for San Francisco-bound trains during the system's first few decades of operation. The lyrics are full of references to the daily grind of traveling on these trains, as well as the people and surroundings that the subject of the song would see on a daily basis. For example, the lines "I saw my future in the Daly City Train" are a poignant reminder of how transport and travel can shape our life trajectories in unanticipated ways.

Furthermore, the song's historical significance comes from its vivid portrayal of the San Francisco Bay Area during the '80s and '90s. It reflects the diverse cultures, languages, and influences that shaped the region throughout this time, with references to everything from San Francisco punks to the East Bay Ska sound.

The song's palpable sense of melancholy, as well as its honest and heartfelt portrayal of a person's life, makes it an archetype of the punk-rock genre, resonant with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Its undeniable influence as a powerful statement of loss and grief is bound to remain relevant for generations, as it continues to touch and inspire listeners all over the world.

In sum, Daly City Train by Rancid is an emotional and sincere tribute to a friend whose life was filled with tribulations, but whose memory is preserved through the power of music. Its touching lyrics offer a unique perspective on the importance of connection and community, and the role that transport and travel can play in shaping our life paths.

• Release Date: August 22, 1995
• Artist: Rancid