I was born in Detroit but grew up in Racine, Wisconsin. We drove back and forth through Chicago to visit family in Detroit, and I was fascinated by the railroad yards and industry that went on for miles south of Chicago. It was mostly freight, but once in a while you'd see a sleek Illinois Central passenger train heading south. I also liked catching sight of a South Shore Line train headed to South Bend. And yes, men would hang out in or near railroad yards and jump a ride on freight train when they wanted to. The men were young and old, black and white. I've known a few...and I'm the father of one.
I had never noticed that some people change the "black" to "grey," but now I've found that John Denver used "black" on one recording and "grey" on another.
Steve Goodman was just a month older than me and we grew up not far from each other. I've always thought his songs told the story of my life. I never met him, but my brother knew him fairly well.
-Joe-