Hi Tunesmith,

I don't know what exactly you refer to with '"melody change", in Arlo's version'. However, I like that version musically because it has more direction to it. Steve Goodman's version has better lyrics, but the music seems to wander more, which is not something trains are wont to do. His live versions appear to do that a bit less, though; don't why.

But to each his own, I guess. I don't think I could write either version, nor could I play it in either style; I can only enjoy the view as I travel along.


(Brakn: The top one is Arlo Guthrie's version for that part, except for some three mistakes; the bottom is Steve Goodman's version. I'd say most singers-along skip parts in either version; apparently the lyrics aren't as easy as they seem when first heard.)

Bye
                                                                Mysha