Only a suggestion....instead of starting with the words 'Riding on..' I'd change that away from the same lyrics of 'City of
New Orleans' ..'Rocking', or 'nodding',, or 'rolling along', etc. Musically, try a soulful harmonica, in the background. That would work!
Perhaps , later, throw in a stand up bass, if so inclined...and...Good luck!.....(I tried to be as objective as I could, using the same process I use in composing, however, the music I'm presently doing is different). When I was doing strictly folk, or any style, I try to incorporate playing off the words, with the accompanying instruments, utilizing, the mood and the timber, of the lyric, in both delivery, and content....and remember, The human voice is the only instrument on the planet that pronounces words,..PRONOUNCE THE WORDS! even above 'styling' it! ..and in engineering it, it needs more 'presence'(more gain, and 'compress your guitar mike,,not too much compression..but turn up the volume), so you are right there! (It makes the listener not have to work so hard).
I hope what I've said, is taken in the spirit of constructiveness, in which it is given.