“20th Century Express” was the first single released from the album on Paisley Park Records in April 1989. The single did not chart.
[Verse 1:]
Screams cry out in the dead of night
From the crack house across the street
You’re comin’ down with a sudden migraine
And here it is almost 3
Next door they’re fightin’ again
Somebody’s done somebody wrong
And some freak keeps calling up
Wantin’ a quickie on the telephone
You try and try to close your eyes at night
But all you do is toss and turn until broad daylight
[Chorus:]
Welcome (a-welcome) aboard the 20th Century Express
Welcome (a-welcome) aboard the 20th Century Express
[Verse 2:]
Fast food chains keep popping up
Everybody’s eatin’ on the run
Hamburgers, French fries, hurry please
But hold the indigestion
The rush hour traffic slows you down
As you race against the clock
But fasten your seatbelts everyone
There are no intermediate stops
You try and try to keep pace with the times
You try and get one step ahead, but you fall two steps behind
CHORUS
Ooh yeah, all day, on rey, all say, I say, he say, ok, ok {x4}
You try and try to close your eyes at night
But all you do is toss and turn until broad daylight
CHORUS {x2}
Running to the crack house
People gettin’ sprung out
Welcome aboard
(Welcome, a-welcome aboard the 20th Century Express)
Livin’ in the fast lane
Too much cocaine
Welcome aboard
(Welcome, a-welcome aboard the 20th Century Express)
The world keep revolvin’
And ain’t nobody stoppin’
Welcome oh yes
(Welcome, a-welcome aboard the 20th Century Express)
Welcome, welcome
Welcome aboard the 20th Century Express
We’re livin’ too fast, y’all
Babies makin’ babies, here
Oh, welcome the 20th Century Express
20th Century Express was written by Lester Snell & Homer Banks.
20th Century Express was produced by Lester Snell & Homer Banks & Al Bell.
Mavis Staples released 20th Century Express on Wed May 24 1989.