"You Can't Blame the Train" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Terri Sharp.

"You Can't Blame the Train" was recorded by Don McLean in 1987, and was released as the lead single from his ninth studio album Love Tracks (1988).

"[3]On its release, Billboard wrote, "The normally reflective McLean delivers this little essay on self-destruction with cynically energetic abandon; sharp hook and a pronounced beat.

They commented, "McLean has had a hard time gaining radio acceptance with his recent singles, but that should change with this release!

[9] In a retrospective review of Love Tracks, Jim Esch of AllMusic noted the song "rollicks along with some verve".

[10] "You Can't Blame the Train" was covered by American Nashville music group The Hollanders in 1991, who released their version on VCA Records as a single from their album Family Ties.

They commented, "With an electrifying contemporary country flavor, 'You Can't Blame the Train' spits out racing energy, unique sibling harmony and lyrics which defend the often accused party of a break-up.