Lyrics
Chorus (x2)
Oh, Come along my friends come along
Get aboard lets ride this train.
Nothing on this train to lose...everything to gain.
Verse 1
The gospel train is coming
Coming around the bend
The Lord God said that He's coming back
But one thing He didn't say when
Y'all know what, get your houses in order
You see the Lord is coming again
But one thing, nothing on this train to lose...everything to gain
Chorus (Repeat)
Oh, Come along my friends come along
Get aboard lets ride this train.
Nothing on this train to lose...everything to gain.
Verse 2
The gospel train is coming
I know it's coming again
But one thing I do know
Oh, He didn't say when
Hey, get your house in order
You see the Lord is coming again
But one thing, nothing on this train to lose..... everything to gain
Chorus (Repeat)
Oh, Come along my friends come along
Get aboard lets ride this train.
Nothing on this train to lose...everything to gain.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Ride This Train” by The Canton Spirituals is an up-tempo quartet-style song that uses the old image of the gospel train. The chorus calls friends to come along and get aboard, with the promise that there is “nothing on this train to lose… everything to gain.” The verses say that the train is coming around the bend and that the Lord has said He is coming back, but not when.
The lines about not knowing the day are close to Matthew 24:36, and the advice to “get your houses in order” echoes the call to be ready in Luke 12:40. The leader speaks to the listeners directly between lines, so the song carries the energy of a live service as much as a message.
The train is a familiar picture in Southern gospel and spiritual music, and here it stands for a place of salvation that anyone can board. The message is readiness for the Lord’s return and the invitation to join those who are going home with Him.
Related Scripture
- Matthew 24:36 No one knows the day or hour
- Luke 12:40 Be ready for the Son of Man’s coming
- Philippians 1:21 To die is gain, close to “everything to gain”