This Train Don't Stop There Anymore

"This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" is a 2001 song performed by Elton John. The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The music video was directed by David LaChapelle, and with Pierre Rouger as cinematographer, and presents a younger John played by Justin Timberlake dressed in outfits typical of John in the 1970s; the video also features Paul Reubens of Pee-Wee Herman fame as John Reid, John's manager of 25 years. The song's lyrics detail John's coming to terms with getting older, and his admission that he has 'put one over' on his fans because he was unable to feel the music he was giving to them. It appears on the album Songs from the West Coast. It was released as a single and reached #24 in the UK Singles chart and was a Top 10 Adult Contemporary chart hit in the US.

An alternative interpretation implies John learning to deal with the stresses and rigors of living in fame without the use of drugs, as opposed to his earlier career. Near the end of the music video, he is seen opening a door which reveals an implied orgy, white snow flying through the air, and a person in a rabbit suit (all a metaphor for cocaine use). John closes the door, and proceeds on to perform a song.

Gary Barlow provided backing vocals for the track. The arrangement was simple, a throwback to John's early piano-bass-drums combination prior to the arrival of Davey Johnstone. On the track, John plays piano, Paul Bushnell provides bass and backing vocals, and Matt Chamberlain plays drums.

Track listing

UK CD Single #1

1. "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" - 4:39
2. "Did Anybody Sleep With Joan of Arc" - 4:18
3. "I Want Love (Live)" - 4:34

UK CD Single #2

1. "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore" - 4:39
2. "American Triangle (Live)" - 4:35
3. "Philadelphia Freedom (Live)" - 5:08