Who would the "Love Train" stop in England?

Cafe Society
1

In the soul song “Love Train” by the O-Jays, the “Love Train” is said to make stops in England, Russia, China, Israel, Egypt and Africa. The sentiment of the song is a desire for world peace and love.

I can understand why they would mention Russia and China, Israel and Egypt, and Africa. All of these places were beset with violence (or, in the case of Russia and China, communist dictatorships) at around the time the song was recorded (1973.) But I don’t understand why, as the lyrics go, “the first stop that we make will be England.”

Was there something violent going on in England in 1973?

2

The first stop is Carnaby Street. Brothers gotta have some smart threads for the ride!

3

It was a reference to “The Troubles”.

4

In 1973, it could have specifically referred to the IRA bombings in London.

ETA: Or not. “Love Train” was actually released in December 1972.

5

I thought it was pretty much all the countries the O-Jays first thought of, that fit the meter well.

6

Y’know, I always wondered that. Good question about a great song. I agree with NDP and suspect it was a reference to The Troubles, but “Northern Ireland” didn’t scan well. Although “Ulster” would do just as well as “England,” most Americans probably wouldn’t recognize the word, then or now.

7

Besides “the Troubles”, songwriters Gamble and Huff could be be referencing the wave of soccer hooliganism that was going on back then. Those got quite a bit of publicity back in the day.

The song is meant to be global and if you ask Americans to name a European country, England would be one of the most common answers.