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Lyr Req: Train 45 (Grayson & Whitter)

11 Feb 09 - 11:37 AM (#2563904)
Subject: Lyr Req: delmore bros - all aboard to all points
From: GUEST,ewan

Wondering if any of you can help me? I'm from Scotland but my mother was american. i had a great old mix tape which she made. I need to track down one of the tunes. it was bluegrass, i suspect by the delmore brothers. very few lyrics but it started off with the spoken words
"train 45 leaving union station - cincinatti ohio. all aboard to all points south".
and later there are a few spoken lines where the singer asks various people "where you going..." and they reply their destinations.
it was an awesome tune and I'd love to track down a copy...

11 Feb 09 - 07:14 PM (#2564424)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: delmore bros - all aboard to all points
From: GUEST

Hi Ewan,
The tune you are talking about is a banjo instrumental piece called " Train 45" and the recording you have was probably that by The Stanley Brothers. I have it somewhere. If you're really stuck get back to me and I'll search my archives and get you a copy .I think Ralph Stanley claims composer rights.
                                  DOMO

12 Feb 09 - 06:21 AM (#2564745)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: delmore bros - all aboard to all points
From: GUEST

Hello Domo mate, cheers for working that one out. You're a legend. I'll be back in touch if I can't find a copy but otherwise many thanks indeed. Have a good one. Ewan

13 Feb 09 - 02:08 PM (#2566122)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: delmore bros - all aboard to all points
From: Jim Dixon

There are lots of recordings called TRAIN 45.

Grayson & Whitter recorded it 10/18/1927. Later recordings were made by J. D. Crowe, the Log Cabin Boys, the New Lost City Ramblers, Jimmy Martin, Ralph Stanley, The Stanley Brothers, Mac Wiseman, and many others.

Wade Mainer & Zeke Morris recorded a song called RIDING ON THAT TRAIN 45 on 8/2/37. I don't know whether it's related.

I transcribed these lyrics from several sound samples of the Grayson & Whitter recording:
    Darling, I hear that train, comin' round the bend,
    Blowed like she'd never blow again.

    Why, I'm goin' up that track, bring my little woman back.
    I'm tired of living this-a-way.

    Well, y'oughta been uptown, an' seen that train come down.
    Hear the whistle blowed a hundred miles.
In addition, there are various spoken lines, e.g.:
    I'm a-goin' after 'er, Henry!

    Train forty-five!