songs
about
trains
page one
Songs about Trains page two
Songs about Trains page three
Songs about Trains page four
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This is the tune the Blues Brothers are supposed to learn
before they come back for their second engagement at Bob's Country Bunker. Oh, and there's more from 1920s train disaster expert Vernon Dalhart on page two of this train songs collection! It's not exactly a coincidence that this clip is sitting
next door to "Mystery Train". We're pretty much talking the same song here, after all. This is one pumping little number, though, I tell you. Feels so good. In this performance, Furry Lewis actually doesn't really
sing all that much about Casey Jones... definitely not the clear narrative that so many other versions offer. Most of the verses here could appear in any song! But it's just so damn good, I included it here. Classic Furry. For the longest time I thought Arlo Guthrie had written this
tune. I suppose a lot of people are under that impression. But here's the author, Steve Goodman, performing his song. Here's the Wikipedia page for the song. Some rather unique string bending going on in this
wonderful recording. And what a great voice Rosetta had! Of course, Rosetta's singing about that glory-bound train here, no rough earthly-type train, no sir.She can get all moralistic on you, but it's OK cause she just sounds so good! A little light entertainment, country/bluegrass style. There
was something happening here, and you knew what it was, didn't you, Grandpa Jones? "when I first started to hoboing, hoboing,
I took a freight train to be my friend, oh lord..." This is one of the most understatedly powerful musical performances I've ever heard, and I never tire of it. This is just mighty, mighty fine. And big thanks to the
YouTube uploader for making such a handsome little clip that includes the lyrics, as ol' Frank Hutchison wasn't the easiest singer to understand. A fine little slice of archaic Americana, from the great
Henry Thomas. He didn't use his quills (panpipes) for this number, but I recommend that you check out Henry's other recordings, some of which feature the curious instrument. |
Mr. Country Music himself, ol' Roy did turn in a good version
of this tune, you gotta admit. And my man doing the train whistle imitation is good. Many people don't realize that the Wabash Cannonball wasn't an actual train, but rather an entirely fictional one. Always loved how my hometown of Birmingham made it into the song. What a fabulously haunting sound and feel Elvis and
producer Sam Phillips achieved with this classic interpretation. Hank heard that looow-oooo--whoa-oh-whoooooaaaansome whistle blow... You know he did.
I've long thought that Johnny Cash's voice and persona
were best served by the stark, stripped-down accompaniment of his three piece band in the Sun Records days. This tune is a perfect example of that. Characteristically delicate and finessed guitar work and smooth, relaxed vocal delivery from the great Lonnie Johnson.
This little novelty/harmony tune is fun listening, and hey,
there's my home town again! "All out for Birmingham!" Here's another southbound train, but this one's headed in
another direction altogether... A soldier off to Clarksville, and after that, it's off to the
Vietnam war... a protest song disguised as an innocent little pop ditty. No collection of train songs is complete without at least
one entry from the Singing Brakeman. This song has been covered a zillion and one times, and it's no wonder: a great little tune! And as you can see, grandma loves it, too! Guy Clark, in a tune released in 1975, paints a charming little picture of Texas in 1947, when the first "Streamline" train rolls through a small town.The folks had never seen anything like it!
I love this line: "look out, here she comes, she's comin', look out, there she goes, she's gone". Johnny Cash covered this tune, by the way, you can hear his version is here. |