Song meaning of A Lotta Locomotion by Andrew Lloyd Webber

"A Lotta Locomotion" by Andrew Lloyd Webber from the musical "Starlight Express" is a lively and energetic song that showcases the different characters on a train, each representing a different aspect of the locomotive. The lyrics delve into the various personalities and roles within the train, using them as metaphors for different qualities needed to succeed in life.

The song starts with a conversation among the characters, highlighting their doubts and insecurities about participating in a race. Lines like "You gotta be strong" and "You gotta have speed" emphasize the importance of strength and speed in achieving success. The character Pearl represents a new beginning and the willingness to try different approaches until finding the best one, as seen in the lines "Gotta test them all until I find the best."

Each character in the song represents a different aspect of the train, such as the smoking car, the dining car, and the brand new girl. These characters symbolize different traits and qualities, such as addiction, warmth, and freshness, that are essential for the locomotive to function effectively. The repeated chorus of "A lotta locomotion, that's what we need" reinforces the idea that a combination of different qualities and approaches is necessary for progress and success.

Overall, "A Lotta Locomotion" is a fun and engaging song that uses the setting of a train to explore themes of determination, diversity, and the importance of embracing different qualities and perspectives in order to move forward and achieve one's goals.