Train Songs

Subject: Train Songs
From: Harold W
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 11:27 PM

I know that there are old standard train songs on the Mudcat, such as WABASH CANNONBALL, CHATTANOOGA CHOO-CHOO, etc. C. W. Mcall wrote a couple of songs about trains in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado (The Silverton, Galloping Goose). Is there any other recent train songs?

Ken Johnson

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mbo
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 11:33 PM

Man o man, Harold, have YOU opened a can of worms! I'll get back to you tommorow on all the ones I can come up with! Right now I'll just say "East Tennessee" by Jim Croce is VERY VERY good!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Apr 00 - 11:44 PM

How recent is "recent"?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 12:08 AM

Norm Cohen's Long Steel Rail is being reprinted as we speak, he tells me. Get it. Support academic folklore studies -- labors of love by good people! (Shall we make up a bumper sticker of that phrase, Kat?)

Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 12:37 AM

Harold, I think you need to check a little deeper in at the DT too. Did you know you can browse by keywords? Entering @ train in the searchbox got over 80 hits.... not all of them gems of course or only slightly rail related, but there are at least 30+ good railroad songs about wrecks and hobos and related stuff. Kendall Morse does a great rendition of "PHOEBE SNOW" by Utah Phillips and it's in there...a kind of hobo song. If I had the time to learn it, I'd sing it next week.

There are also a couple of Woody's like "EAST TEXAS RED"..a great "don't get mad get even" song, and "HOBO'S LULLABY" which aren't in the DT.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From:
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 12:40 AM

Steel Rail Blues

Stan Rogers - Guysborough Train (recently resurrected on the new CD)

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From:
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 12:44 AM

Chatanooga Choo-choo

In Cape Breton's Summertimre Revue, there was also a song (I think) called They Took the Train Away

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Dale Rose
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 01:04 AM

As Sorcha says, it depends on your definition of recent. I'd say a bunch of stuff by Utah Phillips and Gordon Lightfoot could be considered instant classics. Then are tons of old railroad songs that are rarely done.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Dale Rose
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 01:06 AM

Then THERE are tons . . . (It's late)

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Stewie
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 02:21 AM

I have recently posted the lyrics to 17 train related songs, many of them relatively recent.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,ej
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 05:55 AM

How about "LAST TRAIN TO SAN FERNANDO"? From the 50's or 60's. Does anyone have the words to this?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: karen k
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 06:31 AM

Dave Goulder, a wonderful singer and dry stonewall builder from Rosehall, Scotland, way up in the Highlands, has a great album of all railroad songs. Can't think of the name of it right now, but will try to come up with it and post it later. If you can find this one it's a gem.

karen

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mbo
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 12:07 PM

Blue Train--Marty Stuart
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS (obviously!)--Arlo Guthrie
SHADES OF GLORIA--Maura O'Connell
Train Kept A-Rollin'--Aerosmith (sorry, I had to include it!)
Engine of Love--Earl Jordan
SMOKESTACK LIGHTNIN'--originally Howlin' Wolf, but I like the Yardbirds live version better


--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,marcelloblues
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 01:24 PM

It was a train, (that) took me away from here, but a train, can't bring me home. Tom Waits (FRANK'S WILD YEARS, maybe)

cheers

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Bob Schwarer
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 02:20 PM

Wreck of the FFV.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Rich(stupidbodhranplayerwho.....)
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 02:43 PM

I would strongly recommend Utah Phillips CD "Good Though"

Rich

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Ely
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 03:18 PM

Georgia Railroad [instrumental];
Crossing Number Nine;
Bringing in the Georgia Mail;
Slow Train Through Georgia;
Last Train from Poor Valley;
Southern Railroad Blues;
Railroad Days;
Weathered Old Caboose behind the Train [the one about the Canadian railroad];
Dixie Flyer Blues--Norman Blake

The L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore--Jean Ritchie

Starlight on the Rails--Utah Philips

Morningtown Ride--Malvina Reynolds

Rock Island Line;
Midnight Special--Leadbelly

Freight Train--Elizabeth Cotten

Five Hundred Miles--Hedy West

Nine Hundred Miles--[recorded by] Cisco Houston

Railroading on the Great Divide--Sara Carter

Freight Train Blues--Roy Acuff

Larry Penn also loves train songs; I saw him at a small concert in Houston a few years ago and he always does "Wabash Cannonball" and the poem about the railroad spike and things.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Lee
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 04:05 PM

Among my favorites:

"One More Ride", Hank Snow.

"Glory Land Express", Orville Prophet.

"Atlantic Coastal Line", Charley Pride.

"Waiting for a Train", Jimmie Rodgers.

Lee

P.S. I was Country when Country Wasn't Cool!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 04:31 PM

Lee? Is that Hank Snow song the same as the one written by Garnet Rogers on his album Small Victories?

"He said I love the sound I even love the smell
God damn the bastards all to hell
How dare they say the railroad won't pay?"

Ian Tamblyn has a good train song, also about the demise of the Canadian rail called "Railroad".. but I don't know what album it's on...

"There's a train standing in the station
The conductor is calling all aboard
There's only one thing wrong, once this train is gone
It won't be back no more..."

Tony Kaduck's "Railway Tune" has got to be one of my favorites... you can find it, if ya don't know it already, covered by James Keelaghan on his album Timelines... I laugh every time I play it...

{~`

Subject: ADD: The Iron Horse ^^
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 07:01 PM

A regrettably US-sided thread ... Here's a train song from Scotland, sung by Tony Cuffe on 'When First I Came To Caledonia' (1988):

THE IRON HORSE
(Charles Balfour)

Come Hielandman, come Lowlandman, come every man on earth, man
And I'll tell ye how I got on, atween Dundee and Perth, man
I gaed upon an iron road, a rail they did it ca', man
And ruggit [pulled] by an iron horse, an awfy beast to draw, man

There were hooses in a lang straight row a-standin' upon wheels, man
And the pair o' chiels that fed the brute were black as ony de'ils, man
And ne'er a thing they gave the beast but only coals to eat, man
'Twas the queerest beast that e'er I saw, for it had wheels for feet, man

The beast it roared and aff we gaed through water, steam and stanes, man
We gaed at sic a fearful rate I thought we'd brak' oor banes, man
By and by we stoppit at a place ca'd something-Gowrie
But ne'er a word had I to say but only sit and glower, aye

And after that we crossed the Tay and landed into Perth, man
I vow it was the queerest place that e'er I saw on Earth, man
For the hooses and the iron horse were far aboon the land, man
And how they got them up the stairs I cannae understand, man

But noo I'm safely landed and my feet are on the sod, man
If I gang tae Dundee again I'll tak' another road, man
Though I should gang upon my feet till I'm no' fit to stand, man
Catch me again when I'm ta'en in wi' the terrible iron horse, man

[1988:] A song from Ford's "Vagabond Songs" in which an old-fashioned country farmer confronts that marvel of 19th century high technology: the steam engine. According to Ford, the song was written by Charles Balfour, stationmaster at Glencarse, between Dundee and Perth, and was first sung at a "festival of railway servants" held at Perth in 1848. (Notes Tony Cuffe, 'When First I Went To Caledonia') ^^

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Callie
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 08:13 PM

Tom Waits' "Downtown Train" and a wonderful song called "Poison Train" by a man in Darwin (Australia) whose name eludes me.

--Callie

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: ddw
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 08:57 PM

Don't know about the "recent" criterion, but there's Bukka White's Special Streamline and the one Tom Rush made as a spinoff of it, The Panama Limited.

Also Dwight Yoakum's Smoke Along The Track. And the Kingston Trio's Fast Freight.

I'm restraining myself; I love train songs and could probably come up with 50 or so, but a lot of them would be in the DT, so it'd just be a waste of everybody's time.

david

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 09:16 PM

A friend of mine JU Lee wrote a song called Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Man-- it's a series of fast images about life working on that railroad. Written in the last ten years and a GOOD song-- I'll post it if anybody is interested. PETE

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Harold W
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 10:18 PM

I should have defined recent meaning after 1976. Maybe this should clear this up.

Ken Johnson

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Frankie
Date: 09 Apr 00 - 10:44 PM

Great thread, I love train songs and I'm going to "track" some of these down. Here's a few:

Golden Rocket by Hank Snow

Streamlined Cannonball by Roy Acuff

And my all-time favorite Green Light on the Southern by Norman Blake.

F

Subject: ADDE: San Fernando
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 04:24 AM

I asked for these lyrics last year and Wolfgang pointed to a link which had them from whence I've cut 'n' pasted these, hope it's formatted OK.
As sung in the UK by Johnny Duncan and the Bluegrass boys, (and Bud & Travis in the US) not by St Lonnie as I had misremembered.

SAN FERNANDO

It's the last train to San Fernando
The last train to San Fernando
And if you miss this one
There'll never be another one
So let's bitty-bitty boom-boom
To San Fernando

Last night I met sweet Dorothy
Said, "Tomorrow I am joining in matrimony."
("Do it now, John!")
She said, "If you act right
You can take me out tonight
And we'll wine and dine but be back on time."

It's the last train to San Fernando
It's the last train to San Fernando
And if you miss this one
There'll never be another one
So let's bitty-bitty boom-boom
To San Fernando

Said, "I'm marrying right into society
Be careful of the place you are taking me
Because if you slip, I'll slide
And I'll never get to be a bride."
And we'll bitty-bitty boom-boom to San Fernando
("What is this?")

It's the last train to San Fernando
("Bitty-bitty-bitty!")
Last train to San Fernando
And if you miss this one
There'll never be another one
So let's bitty-bitty boom-boom
To San Fernando

("Sing it, Keely!")
Diplomatically, I asked Dorothy to dance
("How else?")
There was nothing on my mind but romance
I said to myself, "Oooh boy
Better beat this iron while it's hot."
And we'll bitty-bitty boom-boom to San Fernando

It's the last train to San Fernando
("Hush-a-baby!")
Last train to San Fernando
And if you miss this one
There'll never be another one
So let's bitty-bitty boom-boom
To San Fernando

It's the last train to San Fernando
The last train to San Fernando
(quiet)

Let's bitty-bitty boom-boom to San Fernando!
(loud)
Roger the <==0==>

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 08:37 AM

"Recent" is tough, probably for a lot of us. But there are lots of good suggestions here. The Norman Blake stuff is all great, and also the Tom Waits. Mbo suggests the classic City of New Orleans, but you may want to make note of the fact that it's actually a Steve Goodman song (Arlo did a cover that got a lot of airplay, but he didn't write it).

I'd also suggest It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry by Bob Dylan, and another by Guy Clark whose name escapes me -- it is Texas 1949?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 08:45 AM

One more: it's called Texas Eagle by Steve Earle. It's the first song on the excellent CD that he recorded with the Del McCoury band last year ("The Mountain"). that qualifies as "recent".

Of course, there's also This Train by Woody Guthrie -- can't call that one recent, but in my opinion it's timeless.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Lost cookie
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 09:34 AM

Orange Blossom Special

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Mbo_at_ECU
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 10:49 AM

I know yer gonna hate me for this, But ELO did a smokin' version of "Orange Blossom Special" on the rare album "The Night The Light Came on in Long Beach", when with minimal band accompaniament, their fiddler Mik Kaminski tore up on the Orange Blossom Special like Paganini come back to life and fiddlin' at a barndance! Woooo woooo!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mooh
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 11:03 AM

Train Kept A Rollin' (a great crossover folkie tune), If Love was a Train (Michelle Shocked), Silver Train (Johnie Winter and the Stones), Passion Train (Salamander Crossing), Kansas City (I might take a train...), lots of Gordon Lightfoot stuff...

My brain hurts. Peace Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: ceitagh
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 11:04 AM

Hey guys....why is this a BS thread?
ceit

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Willie-O
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 11:27 AM

well it ain't really, ceit. or, they all are.

Guy Clark Texas 1947, fer sure.

Canadiana, less obvious than the Trilogy:

• Crossties on a Railroad by Dennis Brown
• Railroad Line (Bill Garrett?)
• I Never Did Like That Train (Murray McLauchlan)
• I Like Trains (Fred Eaglesmith) (these should be sung back to back for best effect...)
• Harvest Train (Alex Sinclair)

Lonesome Willie-O

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST RIDE^^
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 11:29 AM

"Zack, The Mormon Engineer" is a classic---about an engineer on the Denver & Rio Grand R.R. that had a wife in every town along the way. Also, "The Hobo's Last Ride"--originally done with banjo by Buell Kazee (1928 ?)and then re-done with a new tune by Hank Snow (and by me too on Folk Legacy).

THE LAST RIDE

In the Dodge City Yards of the Santa Fe stood a freight made up for the east,
The engineer with his oil and waste stood groomin' the great iron beast,
Ten cars back in the murky dusk a boxcar door swung wide,
And a hobo hoisted his pal aboard to start on his last long ride.

The lantern swung, the freight pulled out and the engine it gathered speed,
The engineer pulled his throttle wide and clucked to his fiery steed.

Ten cars back in the murky dusk a hobo rolled a pill,
The flare of the match showed his partner's face stark, white and deathly still,
As ther train wheels clicked on the couplin' joints---a song for the rambler's ear,
The hobo talked to the still white form--his pal for many a year.

"It's a mighty long time we've rambled, Jack, with the luck of the men that roam,
The backdoor steps for a dining room and a boxcar for a home,
We dodged the bulls on the eastern route, the cops on the Chesapeake,
We rode the Leadville narrow gauge in the days of Cripple Creek,
We traveled down through sunny Cal. on the rails of the old S.P.,
And of all you had, through good or bad, half always belonged to me,
I made a promise to you, Jack, if I lived and you cashed in,
To take you back to that old churchyard and bury you there with your kin,
I'm keepin' my promise to you, Jack, and takin' you home on the fly,
It's a decent way for a 'bo to go home to the by-and-by.

"I knew that the fever had you Jack, and the doctor, he wouldn't come,
He was too busy with the wealthy folks to doctor a worn out bum."
As the train rolled over those ribbons of steel straight through to the east it sped,
The engineer in his high cab seat kept his eyes on the rails ahead,
Ten cars back in the murky dusk, a lonely hobo sighed,
For the days of old and his pal so cold who was taking his last long ride...

Art Thieme ----(this is probably in the DT but it's fun to go through the words another time.)

Subject: Lyr Add: ONE MORE RIDE (Bob Nolan)
From: GUEST,Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 12:13 PM

ONE MORE RIDE
Words and music by Bob Nolan
As recorded by Sons of the Pioneers (Okeh 5725, 1936)
I'm along for a trip; don't need no grip; I'm takin' one more ride
Way out there in the prairie air; I guess it's in my hide.
For the clickety-clack of the railroad track is callin'.
Here's a man that knows where the Santa Fe goes when she gets under steam,
And her big loud bell bids a fond farewell; hear her whistle scream.
She's bound to go where there ain't no snow a-fallin'.
One more ride.

Now I miss the gloom of the pale white moon that seemed to know my name,
And the tumbleweed where the prairie dog feeds, I miss them just the same.
They're all a part of the song in my heart I'm singin'.
I recall the tune I sang to the moon; it seemed to make him smile,
As I rode away at the close of day and stayed so long, awhile,
But I long to be where the memory is ringin'.
One more ride.

As the years go by, I'll wonder why I longed to leave my home,
And hit the trail of the iron rail away out there alone,
But my heart will sigh till I know that I am leavin'.
If I don't come back, there's a one-way track way down in Mexico
You'll find me there or any old where that a tumbleweed will grow.
So it's goodbye now, you'll never know how I'm grievin'.
One more ride.

[Also recorded by Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, Johnny Bond, et al.]

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Mrrzy-at-work
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 12:21 PM

Don't ignore Shel Silverstein's famous one-verse train song:

Let me sing you a song 'bout the old 49 / Fastest engine on the Santa Fe line / On the 12th of December, she made a desparate dash / And she got there on time and she did not crash.

Also the old one that Joan Baez did, that I should have listed under Songs I Can't Sing Without Bursting Into Tears, about Engine 143 and Georgie, which has that fantastic imagery about the crash's effects on the engineer, even better than the Cisco Houston imagery about how "they found him in the wreck with his hand on the throttle: he was scalded to death by the steam."

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WRECK ON THE C & O^^^
From: GUEST,Mrrzy-at-work
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 12:33 PM

Didn't see this one in the dB so here it is. I know Joan Baez sang it, I can't remember which album (same as Once I knew a pretty girl), and I never knew who wrote it. These are the words I hear...

ENGINE 143

Along came the FFB, the swiftest on the line,
Running down that steel road, just twenty minutes behind,
Running into Sou'ville, headquarters on the line,
Receiving their strict orders from the station just behind.

Georgie's mother came to him with a bucket on her arm.
She said, "My darling son, be careful how you run.
There's many a man has lost his life in trying to make lost time,
But if you run your engine right, you'll get there just on time."

Up the track she darted. Into a rock she crashed.
Upside down the engine turned, and Georgie's breast is smashed.
His head lay against the firebox door. The flames were roaring high.
"I'm proud to be born for an engineer and see no road to die."

The doctor said to Georgie, "My darling boy, be still!
Your life may yet be saved, if it is God's blessed will!"
"Oh, no!" cried George, "This will not do. I'd rather die so free.
I want to die for the engine I loved, a hundred and forty three."

Then the doctor said to Georgie, "Your life cannot be saved."
Murdered upon the railway, and laid in a lonesome grave,
His face was covered up with blood. His eyes they could not see,
And the very last words poor Georgie cried were "Nearer my God, to Thee!"

As an aside, I couldn't find the thread where how to type accents was explained, can anyone help with that?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 01:27 PM

And how about Glendale Train, about the robbing of same by the James Gang. It was a New Riders song, and we had a thread on the forum about it not long ago. Also the Grateful Dead's Casey Jones, and John Fogerty's Big Train from Memphis, although Fogerty's tune is a metaphorical song about Presley. A group called the Long Riders also had a good train song called Here Comes that Train Again.

LEJ

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 02:39 PM

Is anyone familiar with New River Train? I remember this from the distant past, but find no evidence of it in the DT. It was a bluegrass song and it went

"I'm leavin' on that New River Train, Lord, Lord
Leavin' on that New River Train
The same old train that brought me here
Gonna carry me back home again..."

Subject: Lyr Add: One More Ride (Garnet Rogers)^^
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 02:46 PM

Let's not forget Jethro Tulls "Locomotive Breath!! LOL!! O.k.. so it's not actually about a train... but what the hell! LOL!!

Maybe I'll submit the lyrics to the One More Ride that I know...

ONE MORE RIDE
(Garnet Rogers)

My legs had gone to sleep By the time we made Swift Current
I gathered up my suitcase and guitar
When I saw him on the platform in a cap and baggy trousers
He nodded as I stepped down from the car
I was zipping up my coat; he was flagging down a taxi
For a flustered mother, He sent her on her way
A young woman turned and asked me
"Does that man work for the railroad?"
I said "No, that's Bill, he's here every day.

That's old Bill, he's down here every day
He likes to work, he won't take pay
He's been here since he retired in 82
I've seen his kind everywhere I go
They're made to feel to old and slow
They're restless when they have no job to do

He wants one more ride, before his time is over
I think he worked these rails before the war
One more ride, and you know he'd better hurry
The railroad won't come through here anymore."

He was blowing across his coffee At the counter in the restaurant
I sat down next to him and said "hello"
I said, "I guess the days are numbered
When you can work here at the station
They're closing down the line, now where'll you go?"

He shook his head, he bit his lip, His cup and saucer rattled
He cleared his throat and slowly turned around
He said, "I don't know what I'll do, I'm too old to change my habits
I can't believe they'd close the railway down."

He said, "I love the sound, I even love the smell
God damn the bastards all to hell
How dare they say the railroad won't pay?

I wanted one more ride, before my time was over
To feel the wind and hear the diesels roar.
One more ride, to dream when I was younger
But dreams count for nothing anymore."

Well I gave into the impulse, I ran and bought a ticket
I brought it back and I set it by his side
i said, "Let's head out west together, I tell my best lies in a club car
Come on old man, let's take one more ride.

We'll drink and watch the sun sink in flames across the prairie
At nighttime feel the darkened coaches sway
We'll hear the whistle echo through a thousand icy canyons
Come on old man, let's go. What do you say?"

His eyes grew bright he raised his chin
A longing hit him like a gust of wind
And then he shook his head and whispered
"Thanks, but no,
Some dreams you win, some dreams you hold,
Some haunt you like the gleam of gold
And I'll hang on to this one
Thank you all the same."

One more ride, the time is over
We stood outside and watched the sun go down
One more ride I heard him whisper in the darkness
And he turned to walk toward the lights of town

A fantastic song, if I've ever heard one!

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 04:35 PM

Tonight, April 10, 2000 on the Nashville Network at 7:00 PM (Central Daylight Time) is an intriguingly blurbed film. It's called THE LONG SUMMER OF GEORGE ADAMS. The blurb says: *** 1982---James Garner & Joan Hackett---The diesel changes an old time railroad man's life and job with his wife in 1950s Oklahoma.

Another interesting film late tonight seems to be Wild Boys Of The Road"-*** -- 1933-- on Turner Classic Movies at 2:30 AM. blurb: 2 guys and a girl hop a freight train to nowhere.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 04:41 PM

Hllo again Mr. Ernie,

"New River Train" (if I'm remembering correctly) was recorded by BILL and CHARLIE MONROE----a pre-bluegrass classic. Was on RCA Camden as an LP. That's all I recall.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: bob schwarer
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 06:59 PM

Note to "Mrrzy".

FFB is realyy FFV..........Fast Flying Vestibule.

Bob S.

Subject: Train song links
From: GUEST,Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 07:06 PM

Here are some Internet sources for train songs:

Choo choo. - a list of 50 songs with lyrics and discography.

RailServe - Train Songs and Sound FX - a list of CD's with links to CDnow, which sometimes provides track listings and samples.

Wes Modes' Train Songs - a list of about 500 songs and performers.

Philip Pacey's Music and Railways - a truly amazing list of mainly classical, but some pop, music inspired by railways.

Chris Coleman's Railroad Songs - a list of about 1000 songs and performers, some with dates.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Banjer
Date: 10 Apr 00 - 07:25 PM

Just a wee bit of thread creep...I dug out one of a series of tapes, Country Family Reunion II, Vol. 1, which was produced after the passing of Grandpa Jones and Justin Tubb, both featured on version I of the series and before the passing of one of my longtime favorites, Boxcar Willie. Boxcar sings Wabash Cannonball and while one must keep in mind that the hobo personna was largely his stage act, the love for that song and Roy Acuff that shows through as he sings it is amazing. He also does a real nice version of Life Is Like A Mountain Railway, after which he talks about not knowing how much time he has left here on earth but is thankful for every day. Brought a tear to my eye, it did! Just had to throw that in!

Subject: Lyr Add: FOLSOM PRISON BLUES (Johnny Cash)^^
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 05:02 PM

FOLSOM PRISON BLUES
Words and music by Johnny Cash, ©1956
As recorded by Johnny Cash on "I Walk the Line" (1964)

I hear that train a-comin'. It's rollin' round the bend.
And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when.
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison and time keeps draggin' on.
But that train keeps a-rollin' on down to San Antone.

When I was just a baby, my mama told me, "Son,
Always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns."
But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.
When I hear that whistle blowin', I hang my head and cry.

I bet there's rich folks eatin' in a fancy dinin' car.
They're prob'ly drinkin' coffee and smokin' big cigars.
Well, I know I had it comin'. I know I can't be free.
But those people keep a-movin', and that's what tortures me.

Well, if they freed me from this prison, if that railroad train was mine,
I bet I'd move it on a little farther down the line.
Far from Folsom Prison, that's where I want to stay,
And I'd let that lonesome whistle blow my blues away.

Subject: Lyr Add: GLENDALE TRAIN^^
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 05:13 PM

GLENDALE TRAIN
(John Dawson, © 1971)

(Chorus:)
Somebody robbed the Glendale train this morning at half past nine.
Somebody robbed the Glendale train, and I swear I ain't lyin'.
They made clean off with sixteen G's and left two men lyin' cold.
Somebody robbed the Glendale train and they made off with the gold.

Charlie Jones was the engineer. He had twenty years on the line.
He kissed his wife at the station gate this morning six thirty-five.
Everything went fine until half past nine, when Charlie looked up and saw
There were men with horses and men with guns and no sign of the law. (Chorus)

Amos Wise was the baggage man and he dearly loved his job.
The company they rewarded him with a golden watch and fob.
Amos Wise was a markin' time when the door blew off his car.
They found Amos Wise in fifteen pieces fifteen miles apart. (Chorus)
- -
^^
Recorded by the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Frank Wakefield and the Good Old Boys,
The Middle Spunk Creek Boys. JTD

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Ely
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 06:05 PM

More about Larry Penn:

Has a really good one called "End of Train Device" about the demise of cabooses. I was trying to remember when this happened--I know trains still had them when I was a kid so I'm guessing about 15 years ago.

He's also got one about Kate Shelley, who crawled across a trestle in the dark, during a storm, with her dead father's railroad lantern to warn of a wash-out.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Lee
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 08:00 PM

Back in the '50s Jack Kingston in Ont., Canada, did a catchy number titled "'C.N. Special", and the Kingston Trio [no relation], put out "Blue Water Line".

For anyone who really LOVES "The Orange Blossom Special", the best version ever recorded, [my unhumble opinion], was done by a fiddler in Barberton, Ohio, by the name of Jim Pontius, on his "Down Home Fiddle" album. I've worked with fiddlers for about forty-five years and this is the best piece of work I've ever heard. Jim has a phone number, 1-216-825-4376. He might have a few copies left.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 08:10 PM

Dave Goulder's a great song writer, and the best known of his songs is JANUARY MAN, in the DT. When he was a young man back in England he worked on the footplate.

I think the record karen k was trying to remember the name of might be "The man who put the engine in the chip shop" (Fellside Records FEO65 - vinyl only I suspect, or it might be Stone, Steam and Starlings, which is on CD. The thing about his trains is they aren't big epic American trains, they're rattly English ones.

Here's a site with lots of stuff about railway records, including Dave Goulder's "man who put the engine in the chip shop"

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 00 - 09:43 PM

Back to "Engine 143"....Although used by other roads, the term FFV (as was correctly pointed out as standing for Fast Flying Vestibule) was attributed to the Chesapeake and Ohio and the line is often sung as:

"Running down that C&O road"

Also Leej, I still like "New River Train" a lot. A fun singalong.......I thought we had a thread about that but it must be under another name.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: ddw
Date: 13 Apr 00 - 12:53 AM

One that I don't think's been mentioned is 2:10 Train, which is in the DT. The only recording I've ever heard of it was sung by Linda Ronstadt when she was fronting for The Stone Poneys back in the late '60s. I opened for them one night at a place in Cleveland and she sang it that night. Blew me away. I think she was one of the writers, tho' under what may have been her maiden name. Not sure of that. But the song's great.

david

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,ej
Date: 13 Apr 00 - 05:24 AM

I don't recall the name ot this one by Glen Yarborough, or someone else around that era. It's a sad song - perhaps an anti-war song. The chorus goes;

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,ej
Date: 13 Apr 00 - 05:39 AM

Sorry, I cut myself off. Continuing.... The Chorus goes; Please tell me, if you can, what time do the trains roll in? [response by other singer] Two ten, six eighteen, ten forty four. The song appears to about a soldier returning to his home town. One verse is: I've been away from town(home) so long Fought a war that's come and gone.. Doesn't anybody know my name? etc. A very poignant and sad song.

Subject: Lyr Add: ENGINE ENGINE NUMBER NINE (R Miller)^^
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 13 Apr 00 - 02:28 PM

ENGINE, ENGINE NUMBER NINE
(Roger Miller © 1965)

Engine, engine number nine,
Coming down the railroad line,
How much farther back did she get off?
Old brown suitcase that she carried,
I've looked for it ev'rywhere. It
Just ain't here among the rest and
I'm a little upset, yes. Tell me,

(Chorus:)
Engine, engine number nine,
Coming down the railroad line,
I know she got on in Baltimore.
A hundred and ten miles ain't much distance,
But it sure do make a diff'rence;
I don't think she loves me anymore.

I warned her of all the dangers:
Don't speak to strangers.
Did by chance she find a romance,
Warmer lips to kiss her,
Arms to hold her tighter,
Stirring new fires inside her?
How I wish that it was me
Instead of he that stands beside her.

(Repeat chorus; repeat last line of chorus.)
JTD

Subject: Train Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 00 - 05:31 PM

Dale Rose sent me a page called Music and Railways (click). Take a look - you'll be amazed.

Just a note - threads that discuss music shouldn't receive the "BS" label. That label is supposed to designate threads that are purely chit-chat.
But I found the thread, and will monitor it for lyrics that can be included in the Digital Tradition. If you have train song lyrics to share with us, please post them here. If you've posted train songs in other locations, please put links to those songs here.
-Joe Offer-

---

Wikipedia List of Train Songs

Subject: Lyr Add: Taumarunui (Peter Cape)^^
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 08:57 AM

Hi Joe,

Herewith a contri from NZ.

Taumarunui
==========
TAUMARUNUI
(Peter Cape 1957)

I'm an ordinary joker, growin' old before me time,
'Cause me heart's in Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line.
In Taumarunui, Taumarunui. Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line!

You can get to Taumarunui going North or going South,
And you pull in there at midnight and there's cinders in your mouth,
You've got cinders in your whiskers and a cinder in your eye,
So you pop off to Refreshments for a cuppa tea and pie,

[Chorus]

There's this sheila in Refreshments and she's pouring cups'a tea,
And me heart jumps like a rabbit when she pours a cup for me.
She's got hair of flamin' yeller, and lips of flamin' red,
And I'll love that flamin' sheila till I'm up and gone and dead,

[Chorus]

Now you can get a job in Wellington or get a job up North,
But you can't in Taumarunui though you try for all you're worth.
If I want to see this sheila I've got to take a train,
Get ten minutes for refresments then they cart me off again,

[Chorus]

Well they took me on as Fireman on the Limited Express,
And I thought that she'd be Jake but now she's all a flamin' mess.
That sheila didn't take to me: I thought she'd be a gift,
She's gone and changed her duty hours and works the daylight shift,

[Chorus]

Yeah I'm an ordinary joker, growin' old before me time,
'Cause me heart's in Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line.
In Taumarunui, Taumarunui. Taumarunui on the Main Trunk Line,

____________________________

Peter Cape wrote a heap of great NZ songs in the 50s.

Taumarunui (A Maori name, pronounced Tam-ra-new-ee in the 50s - politically incorrect now) is a small town in the centre of the North Island (NZ). I used to have wonderful holidays there as a kid in the forties. The Main Trunk Line, links Wellington and Auckland - 3'6" narrow gauge. The Limited Express ran an overnight 14 hour trip - one train up the line, one down, each night. They crossed just south of Taumarunui.

A few "translations"

Joker=guy, Sheila=girl (used as a Christian name also)

Refreshments = no dining cars, the train stopped about each three hours, and there was a mad dash of passengers to "Refreshment Rooms" in the station building. You had ten minutes to grab your cuppa and pie, then back on board, and off. Railway cups were about a half inch thick..

She'd be Jake = OK

I've got an hilarious description of a trip on the Limited Express, from a book "From N to Z", also written in the 50s. Much too lengthy to post here - if any rail buffs want a copy e-mail me.

Cheers - Sam

Subject: Lyr Add: OKAIHAU EXPRESS^^
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 09:15 AM

Here's another Kiwi train song, again by Peter Cape

Okaihau Express
===============
© Peter Cape

She starts out from Otiria, the smallest train you've seen:
That's the Okaihau Express.
Just an engine and a guards van with a carriage in between:
This is the Okaihau Express.

The driver doesn't worry if he takes the journey slow,
Drivin' the Okaihau Express.
He's got all day to do it in, and thirty miles to go,
Drivin' the Okaihau Express.

She was goin' round the bend doin' ten miles an hour,
The whistle began to shriek (Whoo-whoo!)
Well she caught that bull in the middle of the brisket
And the engine smelt of steak for a week.

There's puppies in an apple box and pipis in a sack,
Ridin' the Okaihau Express,
But no-one knows the difference when they're drippin' from the rack,
Ridin' the Okaihau Express.

She stops at Lake Omapere to take some water in:
That's the Okaihau Express.
The fireman takes a bucket, the driver takes a swim:
That's the Okaihau Express.

Okaihau to Otiria it's just a single track,
When you're ridin' the Okaihau Express.
You can't turn it at the terminus, you just reverse her back.
That's the Okaihau Express!
_____________________________

Translations

Okaihau and Omapere are small towns in Northland NZ - only some tem mileas apart from memory.

Guards van = caboose

pipi = bivalve shellfish

Must learn some of these newfangled tune writing thingies sometime...;)

Cheers - Sam

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 26-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mooh
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 09:23 AM

Did anyone mention Love In Vain by the Rolling Stones?

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 09:28 AM

Silly old me you'll find the tune for Taumaranui and Okaihau Express chords on-line.

There's more NZ songs on the NZ Folk song list and a good smattering on Dexter Muir's Hot of the scanner

Well must hit the pit (go to bed)

Cheers - Sam

Subject: Lyr Add: THE OLD S & D and SWANAGE STEAM (Sartin)
From: wildlone
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 09:53 AM

Here is a couple of songs about the old Somerset and Dorset line or as it was known by those that used it the Slow and Dirty
I could scan the music and send as a gif send me a personal message with your email address if you want a copy.

The Old S&D
Copyright: B Sartin

We had a railway line some years ago
It might have been dirty, it might have been slow
Now that its gone it affects you and me
And everyone misses the old S & D
Everyone misses the old S & D.

Through the loveliest landscapes of England it rolled
Past woodland and meadow and cornfields of gold
From Bath running seventy miles to the sea
A beautiful ride was the old S & D
A beautiful ride was the old S & D.

There's museums and theme parks around us today
Tempting the tourists and trippers to stay
A pity the planners were too blind to see
The biggest attraction, the old S & D
The biggest attraction, the old S & D.

Through Somerset and Dorset it hauled all the freight
No matter the size. no matter the weight
Helping the farmers and our industry
Everyday jobs for the old S & D
Everyday jobs for the old S & D.

Next time you're stuck on the Evercreech road
Behind an artic with a 40-ton load
Think how much pleasanter living would be
If they'd only developed the old S & D
If they'd only developed the old S & D.

They knocked down the bridges and took out the track
And everyone knows that there's no going back
There's little remaining for posterity
But we'll always remember the old S & D
We'll always remember the old S & D.

Where locos once ran there are houses instead
The sleepers now lie in a much softer bed
Do they rest contented or doze fitfully
Disturbed by the ghosts of the old S&D?
Disturbed by the ghosts of the old S&D.

Swanage Steam.
Copyright: B Sartin.

They said, "It'll have to go,
Far too dirty, far too slow,
Too much soot and too much grime,
Not enough arrive on time."

(Chorus)
But trains are rolling, trains are rolling
On the old Swanage branch, trains are rolling.

So they gave the men the sack,
And they ripped up all the track,
Sold it all for scrap,
Wiped the line right off the map.

But when they'd done their worst,
And BR's name was cursed,
There came men with a dream
Who loved the power of steam.

So they called for volunteers,
Firemen, drivers, engineers,
And those who had no skill
But muscle and good will.

Helpers came to build and lay,
What had been just thrown away,
To struggle and to strive
And keep the line alive.

Now the track will grow and grow,
To Corfe Castle we will go,
Because men had a dream
And loved the power of steam.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: bobby's girl
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 12:57 PM

On Strawhead's CD "Argent", Chris Pollington sings a Stanley Accrington song called Last Train, which is lovely, and tells of the demise of the rural railways.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: bobby's girl
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 01:09 PM

My husband has just dug out his Dave Goulder LP, which is called "Requiem For Steam", a great LP which includes as session musicians in the credits Martin Carthy and Maddy Prior! It was produced by Big Ben Records of London.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Snuffy
Date: 16 Apr 00 - 08:43 PM

What about Flanders & Swan's The Last Train with the names of all those dead stations.

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mark Clark
Date: 17 Apr 00 - 01:27 AM

Dave Prine and Tyler Wilson (The National Recovery Act) used to say there were no good train songs anymore. Trains don't run down the grade at 90 MPH any more; they go 30 MPH along a straight flat run, get halfway there and fall off. How do you write a song about that?

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Robo
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 12:10 AM

Thanks to the 'Cat who added "Texas 1947" by Guy Clark. Let me throw in Woody Guthrie's meanest man on the shiney iron, little "East Texas Red."

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 10:57 AM

Chris LeDoux does a wonderful "Raised By the Railroad Line" by Paul Craft. I'll see if I can transcribe them, all I can remember right now is
I'ts a part of your past, you never quite turn loose........part of the soul in the heart of a man, of a boy that was raised by the railroad line"

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Mbo
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 11:07 AM

Sorcha, I was just listening to that very song yesterday! Like Gene Price used to say..."ah..that's Chris Ledoux, and he do do do!"

--Mbo

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 11:13 AM

I remember a 78RPM of "Freight Train Blues".

I got the freight train blues Lawdy Lawdy Lawdy I got em in the bottom of my ramblin' shoes When the whistle blows I got to go Oh Lawdy ain't I ever gonna lose the freight train blues.

Can't remember more and who sang it but I loved it as a child. Also had "The Wreck of Old 99" and "The Train That Never Returned Again".

Did anyone mention "100 Miles"? Not my favorite but a train song.

Subject: Lyr Add: RAISED BY THE RAILROAD LINE^^
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 01:32 PM

OK, here are the lyrics to the song I mentioned earlier.....
RAISED BY THE RAILROAD LINE
words by Paul Craft, copyright BMI
The clickety sound of a south bound freight
And the high speed hum of a passenger train,
Becomes a part of the soul in the heart of a man,
of a boy that was raised by the railroad line.

The sound of the whistle,like a ??(can't get this)
And the tanks and the trucks and the tractors on the flat car roll
Becomes a part of the soul in the heart of a man,
of a boy that was raised by the railroad line.
And the big round penny that you lay on the rail that the wheels mash flat,
And the glimpse of the faces of the ladies and the men, and the engineer's hat,
And the brakeman waves from the red caboose,
I'ts a part of the past, you never quite turn loose,
It's a part of the soul in the heart of a man,
of a boy that was raised by the railroad line.

And the big round penny that you lay on the rail that the wheels mashed flat,
And the glimpse of the faces of the ladies and the men, and the engineer's hat,

The clickety sound of a south bound freight,
and the high speed hum of a passenger train,
Becomes a part of the soul in the heart of a man,
Of a boy that was raised by the railroad line.

Mbo, can you help with the phrase I can't get? Sounds like "like a cross-(something)". Mbo also has the tune, maybe he could do a sound file for Allan Oz to do a midi?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Dale Rose
Date: 19 Apr 00 - 01:51 PM

I just sent Joe a sound file of Die Kleine Bimmelbahn (The Little Train) Marianne Vasel & Eric Storz, Mercury (45) 71286, 1958. I think I'll let him take care of the transcription. Really big smile here.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Dale Rose
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 01:30 AM

Check this thread for an interesting discussion of The Crime of the D'Autremont Brothers a well known train robbery in 1923.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Melbert
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 04:47 PM

How about "The Original Honky-tonk Train Blues" by Pete Atkin. A factual description of how a steam loco works cleverly set to music (and with lyrics that take some learning and practise!)

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Apr 00 - 05:19 PM

Does anyone know a song about trains by Tom Waits? There is a line in it to effect of "This train took me away from here but it will carry me home again"? I heard it on a special about modern day teenage hobos this week on "Real Life" on MTV. It will be repeated tonight and tomorrow also. Check it out.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Ditchdweller
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 11:36 AM

It will proberbly mean nothing to those on t'other side of the Big Pond, but I did a song a few years ago putting the Train Driver's point of view about the Great Train Robbery. Early one August Moring in 1963, The up mail gave a mighty roar As 2,000 horses broke free. Driver Jack Mill at the controller, A skilled man, one of the best, One fifty miles to London, Where he could take his rest.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Stewie
Date: 25 May 00 - 12:40 AM

New train songs are appearing every day. There's a beauty - 'Big Ol' Train' - on Kimmie Rhodes' brand new album 'Rich from the Journey' Sunbird Records. It's the best thing on the album, apart from 'God's Acre' where she duets with Gillian Welch. Kimmie is in glorious voice, as ever. Some of the lyrics are a bit new-agey spiritual for my taste but, as far I am concerned, she can sing the phone book and I'll listen.

Kimmie Rhodes

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Stewie
Date: 25 May 00 - 12:48 AM

Where I referred to 'some of the lyrics', I was referring to the album generally, not 'Big Ol' Train'.

--Stewie.

Subject: ADD VERSES: The Dummy Line ^^
From: zonahobo
Date: 25 May 00 - 01:52 AM

My Dad used to sing a song called The Dummy Line which I was thrilled to find on your database with some great lyrics I had never read. I think it really was a hobo song. He had a few stanzas (right term?) which I didn't find there which I can add. Maybe they were lifted from other songs, who knows? If they pass the Mudcat review they must be legit! Here goes ....

DUMMY LINE LOST LYRICS:

I once bought a pair of combination underwear
To keep out the cold and the frizelly air
I went six month without irrigation
I couldn't get them off
cause I'd lost the combination!

On the Dummy line .. etc.

I once had a gal down in Mobile
She had a face like a lemon peel
She had a wart on the end of her chin
She called it a dimple
but a dimple grows in!

On the dummy line .. etc.

Three little fleas and three little mice
Sitting in the road playing a game of dice
Along came a horse and steped on the flea
Sais the flea to the mice that's a horse on me

(I think horse is a term in craps shooting ..) ^^

Subject: Lyr Add: ARE YE RIGHT THERE, MICHAEL?^^
From: GUEST,Crazy Eddie
Date: 25 May 00 - 07:20 AM

How 'bout an Irish Train Song?

Are You Right There Michael?
By Percy French

[Verse 1] You've heard of Columbus's sailin'
Across the Atlantical sea
But he never tried to go railin'
From Ennis as far as Kilkee.

You rush for the train in the mornin'
The excursion that's leavin' at eight
You're there when the guard gives the warnin'
And there for an hour you will wait.

[Refrain] Are you right there Michael, are you right?
Do you think that we'll be there before the night?

Well, we've been so long in startin'
That I couldn't say for certain
But we might now Michael, so we might.

[Verse 2] They find out where the engine's been hidin'
And soon you will reach Currofin
Where the train it backs down to a sidin'
There's a goods from Kilrush comin' in.
Perhaps she'll be in in two hours
Perhaps she'll break down on the way.
If she does says the guard, by the powers
We'll be here for the rest of the day.
And as you sit & curse your luck
The train backs down into a truck


[Refrain] Are you right there Michael, are you right?
Have you got the parcel there for Mrs. White?
You haven't? Well begorrah, say it's comin' down tomorra'
And it might now Michael, so it might.

There are four or five verses in all but that's all I can remember. The Railway in question was the West Clare railway, and I believe that one of their drivers sued French for defamation. Wherever he went people used to sing the song or whistle the tune! I don't know if he won the case.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 26-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Penny S.
Date: 25 May 00 - 05:01 PM

The Flanders and Swan song is somewhere on the Place Names thread.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 May 00 - 09:08 PM

Here's a link to a page about Percy French with a fine picture of him, and a potted biograohy, including the facts about the court case, which he won.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Joerg
Date: 25 May 00 - 10:04 PM

Uh - maybe I'm in the wrong thread - but can anybody provide me the lyrics of "Canadian Pacific" once done by George Harrison IV? That's a not so recent train song that was great to me when I was young. Today I can only get pieces of it, e.g. in medleys, and I can't find the lyrics on the net. Seems to be too common for everybody except me.

Joerg

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 May 00 - 10:29 PM

Not to fear Joerg......Mudcat strikes again. We have had a couple of discussions on this song by Ray Griff and recorded by Hank Snow and George Hamilton IV (I think that's what you meant instead of Harrison). The lyrics and some other info you might like are on this thread:

CLICK HERE FOR CANADIAN PACIFIC

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Joerg
Date: 26 May 00 - 03:36 AM

Great, Spaw, thank you very much. And of course George Harrison is somebody else - may both of them forgive me.

Joerg

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 26 May 00 - 10:34 AM

He may be too modest to mention it, but Art Thieme has a record of railroad related songs, available from Folk Legacy, which I have enjoyed. "Just the Ticket," if memory serves.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From:
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 03:50 AM

On what album, in what year, on what label does the Kingston Trio perform "Blue Water Line"? I am doing a research project and have had no luck finding this information. For any help you can provide, thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: sledge
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 06:28 AM

Iron road recently recorded by Bob Fox on his album Dreams never leave you is a goodie. Does a good job of evoking the age of steam in the UK, It can be downloaded from his website as an MP3 file at, www.bobfoxmusic.com

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Michael in Swansea
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:10 AM

How come Casey Jones hasn't had a mention?
M

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:35 AM

Lightening Express
I Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow" (Hank WilliamsThis Train
To Morrow (play on words - Morrow is a town.)
Take the "A" Train

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 04:19 PM

I just scanned the thread quickly. They may be there but I didn't notice Railroad Lady (Jerry Jeff Walker) or Panama Limited.

Subject: Lyr Add: LEGEND OF ANDREW MCCREW^^
From: mousethief
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 04:59 PM

This isn't exactly a train song but it is about a hobo who is killed on the railway. It's one of my favorites.

The Legend of Andrew McCrew
Don McLean

Intro:
There was a mummy at the fair, all crumpled in a folding chair.
The people passed, but didn't care that the mummy was a man,
So tell me if you can

Chorus (repeat after each verse):
Who are you? Who are you?
Where have you been, where are you going to?
Well, Andrew McCrew must have lost his way
'Cause though he died long ago he was buried today.

Down on nightmare alley, where the shady people sway
A hobo came a-hikin' on a salty summer day
Well he hopped a freight in Dallas, and he rode out of sight
But on a turn he slipped, and he lost his grip and he fell into the night.

Well, Andrew had one leg of wood, the other leg was small.
And when he fell off the train that night he found he had no legs at all.
Well they found him in the thicket, and the undertaker came.
And they mummified his body for a relative to claim.

But no one came to claim him, until the carnival passed through.
The carnies took him to their tent and they decided what to do.
Well they dressed him in a worn-out tugs and they put him on a stand.
And millions saw the legend called the `famous mummy man'.

Well, what a way to live a life and what a way to die.
Left to live a living death with no-one left to cry.
A petrified amazement, and wonder beyond words,
A man who found more life in death than life gave him at birth.

But what about the ones who live and wish that they could go.
Whose lives are lost to living and performing for the show.
Well at least you got the best of life until it got the best of you.
So from all of us to what's left of you: Farewell, Andrew McCrew.

-----

Chords (and brief story about the real Andrew McC) here.

-----

O..O
=o=
clickme

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 05:02 PM

I'm monitoring this thread and will harves all songs posted here and submit them to the Digital Tradition database. A while back, Stewie posted a number fo trains songs. If somebody would like to find those songs and post a message with links to them, that would be really nice.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 08:55 PM

I keep getting this error message when I try to find Stewie's posts or set the filter to 180 days, So here's what I remember Stewie posting back in March/April. He actually put together a tape with 25 train songs on, but said on April 9th he'd posted 17 - guess the other 8 were already in DT.

---

Error Occurred While Processing Request
Error Diagnostic Information
WaitNamedPipe returned FALSE.

Windows NT error number 121 occurred.

---

These are the ones I definitely remember Stewie posting

SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY - (Howeth/Downes/Adams) thread asked for help on place names in song

WEATHERED OLD CABOOSE BEHIND THE TRAIN - (Norman Blake) thread may have been Red Caboose ....

CASEY JONES (John Koerner) - had some discussion about Jay Gould's daughter

REQUIEM - (Dave Goulder) I think thread title was "Mallard?"

Other tracks on tape that he may have posted were:

• Linin Track - Koerner/Ray/Glover
  
• Swanannoa Tunnel - Bascom Lamar Lunsford
  
• Steel a'Goin Down - Buell Kazee
  
• The Sandy Hollow Line - Steamshuttle
  
• The Engineer - Michael Cooney - (this is in DT as the Train, filename [THETRAIN - I posted the missing tune from this tape)
  
• This Train - Garland Jubilee Singers
  
• Harriet Tubman - Jane Sapp
  
• Never Gonna Stop This Train - James Keelaghan
  
• The Poison Train - Mike O'Rourke
  
• The Leaving Train - Robin & Linda Williams
  
• Railroad Blues - Sam McGee
  
• Starlight on the Rails - Utah Phillips
  
• Hood River Roll On - Jody Stecher/Kate Brislin
  
• The Battler - Mike O'Rourke
  
• Black Smoke Train - Red Clay Ramblers
  
• Rock Island Line - Convicts of Cummins Farm Gould AR
  
• Death of John Henry - Uncle Dave Macon
  
• Wreck of the Old 97 - Arizona Wranglers
  
• Slow Moving Freight Train - Hugh Moffatt
  
• Moss Vale Train - Alan Scott
  
• Hobo Song - John Prine
  

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 09:27 PM

I managed to get into Stewie's postings and found his train songs. I think I've got them all now - hope the links work. Looks like you've already harvested a few of them, Joe

Wreck of the 97 (2)^^

The Leaving Train^^

The Moss Vale Train^^

Black Smoke Train^^

Railroad Blues^^

Death of John Henry^^

Casey Jones 2 and queries^^

Help: names in train song^^

Never gonna stop this train^^

The Sandy Hollow Line^^

Hood River Roll On^^

Linin' track^^

Swannanoa Tunnel (2)^^

Steel A-Goin' Down^^

ADD: The poison train^^

ADD: Battler's Ballad^^

ADD: Requiem (Dave Goulder)^^

The Weathered Old Caboose ...^^

Wassail! V

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: richlmo
Date: 13 Sep 00 - 11:14 PM

Doc Watson is always good for a few train songs: New River Train Greenville Trestle Southbound Passenger Train, from " Doc and the Boys" (my favorite) and lots of others.

How about "Midnight Flyer" and "What Am I Doing Hangin' Round", MONKEES, ( actually Michael Martin Murphy[sp] wrote it. )

There are lots of good train songs.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 03:08 AM

Good stuff in this thread! Here's a train song for kids (my dad used to sing this). The tune is something like Alouette.

Down at the station, early in the morning,

See the little puffer-bellies all in a row.

See the station master pull the little handle,

Chug chug, toot toot, off we go!

Dad would wake me up for my chores at 5 am with this, accompanied by a great deal of poking in the tummy, tickling, pulling ears ... don't try this with adults.

== Johnny in OKC

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: richlmo
Date: 14 Sep 00 - 09:37 PM

Doc Watson had a real good album, " Riding on That Midnight Train" with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and others.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Robby
Date: 15 Sep 00 - 02:46 PM

Back in Scranton, PA, where I was bred and buttered, as my Grandmother used to say, there once was a railroad known as the DL&W. It's official name was the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, but was better known to the locals as the Delay, Linger & Wait.

Anyway, I can remember my father and grandfather used to sing a song about it, but all I can remember now is the Chorus:

Where do you work-a John? On the Delaware Lackawan. What do you do-a John? I push and I push and I push. What do you push-a John? I push the cars around. Where do you work-a John? On the Delaware Lackawan, -awan, -awan, -awan, On the Delaware Lackawan.

If anyone knows the verses, I'd sure like to get them.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Robby
Date: 15 Sep 00 - 03:34 PM

Hey, 'Spaw, I forgot to mention in my last message that I used to ride that Phoebe Snow.

Said Phoebe Snow, about to go upon a trip to Buffalo: "My gown stays white, from morn 'til night, upon the road of anthracite".

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 15 Sep 00 - 03:38 PM

My cousin sings a very nice song, I believe it's called "The Train That Carried Jimmie Rodgers Home." I don't know the original artist, but would sure like to hear the original. Can anyone help?

Mooh, Love in Vain is a Robert Johnson song that the Stones did a very nice cover of.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: jaze
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 11:05 AM

Tom Rush did a railroad song--Riding On A Railroad-- that I believe was written by James Taylor. Saw a PBS special about trains years ago with Johnny Cash narrarating and singing train songs. He sang a song about the elegance of the old trains and the words had something about "Burgundy" in it. Have tried for years to find this song. Not much to go on I know but anyone know it?

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Luke
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 02:17 PM

I like the song "A Way Out There" for all around trainability.I mean it really sounds like one.

I wrote one about the little town I live in about my hundred year old neighbor Rollo. It's an oldtime train town I live in. We have a double track going right through this little town and the trains are so heavy people can't keep a good foundation beneath they're house from the shaking.

Would it be in poor taste to enter such a thing here?

Luke

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Bert
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 02:21 PM

Luke, that would be great. Let's have it then. We LOVE songs by Mudcatters.

The only thing that's 'poor taste' is to mention a song and then not give us the words.

Subject: Lyr Add: ROLLO
From: Luke
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 02:43 PM

Rollo

Where Rush Creek meets the railroad down below the county line,
Highway nine,
There rests that home of mine.
My neighbor there is Rollo Best. For him I made this rhyme.
In his time,
He sold ice cream for a dime.
And Rollo knows who comes and goes, who rests and who reclines,
About makin' hay while the sun so brightly shines.

(Chorus:) Oh Rollo, Rollo, where did you go?
Went on down to Florida where the birds fly from the snow.
Oh Rollo, Rollo, where did you go?
Come on home, Rollo. You've got a yard to mow.

The railroad trains come into town, their horns a-blastin' blow,
Sad and low,
They come and then they go.
Foundations crumble 'neath the ground, down where it doesn't show,
Down below,
They come and then they go.
And Rollo's seen 'em come and go for a hundred years or more,
Feels every train come shakin' up through the floor. (Chorus)

Time passes like a rolling train in the middle of the night,
Out of sight,
Yet full of force and might.
The whistle calls to one and all asleep so snug and tight,
Shines its light
To the left and to the right.
Though Rollo's gone, the trains roll on.
Somehow, it don't seem right.
The rails bring on their diesel dynamite
And time brings on the snowbirds' fight.

This is about as trainy as I get.

Luke

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 27-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Luke
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 02:58 PM

I just did a search here on Mudcat for the song "Way Out There" I didn't find it. It was sung famously by the Weavers as well as some western radio bands. Maybe even Bob Wills. I'm not putting my finger on those names right now. (old and dusty in the attic)

The first verse goes: A lonely spot I know where no man can go Where the shadows have all the room I was riden free on that old SP Singin' a southern tune When a man come along made me hush my song Kicked me off a way out there Chorus: Eeeeeoodelediaeeaee Ooooooodelediaeeaee

Thats all I can remember

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: NightWing
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 03:41 PM

Luke, try this link. The song sounds right. (I actually found two threads about this song *S*

Away Out There

BB,
NightWing

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Luke
Date: 05 Dec 00 - 03:47 PM

Thanks BB NightWing I was sure it was here somewhere.

Luke

Subject: Train songs?
From: josiah_cantwell
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 05:33 PM

I'm working on a project for a pal. Can anyone suggest some good train songs, blues or rock? I've got songs ranging from 'Rock Island Line' by Johnny Cash to 'Hellbound Train' by Savoy Brown to 'Hear My Train A'Comin' " by Hendrix, but I'm looking more for real songs about trains and rail trips and events than songs that use trains as a metaphor (like Tull's 'Locomotive Breath" which is more about life than a train). Train songs?

Subject: LYR ADD: DOESN'T ANYBODY KNOW MY NAME
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:10 PM

Lonesome EJ--

It doesn't appear that New River Train was ever discussed here. Lyrics are at this thread--great old bluegrass...

Guest, EJ:

The Glenn Yarborough song you were trying to think of is called "Doesn't Anybody Know My Name" by, believe it or not, Rod McKuen (well, I like him, but some folks may not). Lyrics may be found here, but I'll put them below as well, since a Forum search doesn't show them in the DT.

DOESN'T ANYBODY KNOW MY NAME
(Rod McKuen)
(© '65 Almo Music)

I've been away for so long
Fought a war that's come and gone
Doesn't anybody know my name
My sister upped and wed
Mom was sick and took to bed
And my old dog Red's gone lame
Please tell me if you can
What time the trains roll in
(Two ten, six eighteen, ten forty four)

This old house is falling down
There ain't no need in me for hanging round
Doesn't anybody know my name
The girl I left behind
she's gone with this friend of mine
I don't have to see a sign
To know things ain't the same
Please tell me if you can
What time the trains roll in
(Two ten, six eighteen, ten forty four)

You can't get far away
On just a soldier's pay
Doesn't anybody know my name
Used to be when I could see
Everybody wanted me
Guess nobody cares to see
A blind man catch a train
Please tell me if you can
What time the trains roll in
(Two ten, six eighteen, ten forty four).

And Doc Watson does a fine job on "Freight Train Blues." Lyrics for that can be found in this thread.

Wow! great bunch of train songs--Does anyone have the lyrics to Texas 47 (mentioned above)?? And a midi or ABC, maybe?

Lin

Subject: Lyr/Chords/Tune Add: I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:39 PM

Oops, one more:

SINSULL, is the Hank Williams song you mentioned this one?

I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY
By HANK WILLIAMS
Transcribed from The Ultimate Country Fake Book, 4th edition, Hal Leonard, ISBN 0-8818-8260-7.
[C]Hear that [Em]lonesome [Am]whippoor-[C]will
He [C]sounds too [Em]blue to [Gm7]fly[C7]
The [F]midnight [Fm6]train is [C]whining [Am]low
I'm so [C]lonesome [G7]I could [C]cry

I've never seen a night so long
When time goes crawling by
The moon just went behind a cloud
To hide its face and cry

Did you ever see a robin weep
When leaves begin to die
That means he's lost the will to live
I'm so lonesome I could cry

The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky
And as I wonder where you are
I'm so lonesome I could cry

MIDI file: Lonesome.MID

Timebase: 1024

TimeSig: 3/4 24 8
Key: F
Tempo: 096 (625000 microsec/crotchet)
Name: Instrument 1
Start
0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 52 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 59 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 64 000 0000 0 52 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 59 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 69 064 0000 1 57 064 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 69 000 0000 0 57 000 0000 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 67 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 72 064 1024 0 72 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 52 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 59 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 64 000 0000 0 52 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 59 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 58 064 0000 1 62 064 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 67 064 3072 0 55 000 0000 0 58 000 0000 0 62 000 0000 0 65 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 48 064 0000 1 52 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 58 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 48 000 0000 0 52 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 58 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 69 064 0000 1 72 064 0000 1 77 064 2048 0 65 000 0000 0 69 000 0000 0 72 000 0000 0 77 000 0000 1 77 064 1024 0 77 000 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 68 064 0000 1 74 064 0000 1 72 064 0000 1 77 064 2048 0 65 000 0000 0 68 000 0000 0 74 000 0000 0 72 000 0000 0 77 000 0000 1 77 064 1024 0 77 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 79 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 0 79 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 69 064 0000 1 57 064 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 2048 0 69 000 0000 0 57 000 0000 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 76 064 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 77 064 0512 0 77 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 79 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 0 79 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 59 064 0000 1 62 064 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 74 064 2048 0 67 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 59 000 0000 0 62 000 0000 0 65 000 0000 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 74 064 0512 0 74 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 72 064 3072 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 2048 0 72 000 0000 1 72 064 1024 0 72 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 52 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 59 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 64 000 0000 0 52 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 59 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 69 064 0000 1 57 064 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 76 064 2048 0 69 000 0000 0 57 000 0000 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 67 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 72 064 1024 0 72 000 0000 1 76 064 2560 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 76 064 2560 0 76 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 67 064 3072 1 60 064 0000 1 48 064 0000 1 52 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 58 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 48 000 0000 0 52 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 58 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 69 064 0000 1 72 064 0000 1 77 064 2048 0 65 000 0000 0 69 000 0000 0 72 000 0000 0 77 000 0000 1 77 064 1024 0 77 000 0000 1 77 064 2048 0 77 000 0000 1 77 064 1024 0 77 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 79 064 2048 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 0000 0 79 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 67 064 2048 0 67 000 0000 1 76 064 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 77 064 0512 0 77 000 0000 1 79 064 2048 0 79 000 0000 1 76 064 1024 0 76 000 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 55 064 0000 1 59 064 0000 1 62 064 0000 1 65 064 0000 1 74 064 2048 0 67 000 0000 0 55 000 0000 0 59 000 0000 0 62 000 0000 0 65 000 0000 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0512 0 76 000 0000 1 74 064 0512 0 74 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 72 064 3072 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 2048 0 72 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 72 064 0512 0 72 000 0000 1 60 064 0000 1 64 064 0000 1 67 064 0000 1 72 064 3072 0 60 000 0000 0 64 000 0000 0 67 000 2048 0 72 000
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the March 10 MIDItext 98 software and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:Instrument 1
M:3/4
Q:1/4=96
K:F
CEGe5c|EE,G,=B,e5c|AA,CEe5c|CEGG4c2|CEGe5c|
EE,G,=B,e5c|GG,B,DFG6|CC,E,G,B,4e2|FAcf4f2|
F_Adcf4f2|CEGg4e2|AA,CEG4ef|CEGg4e2|GG,=B,DFd4ed|
CEGc6|-c4c2|CEGe5c|EE,G,=B,e5c|AA,CEe5c|CEGG4c2|
e5c|e5c|G6|CC,E,G,B,4e2|FAcf4f2|f4f2|CEGg4e2|
G4ef|g4e2|GG,=B,DFd4ed|CEGc6|-c4cc|CEGc6|
-c4||

Subject: Lyr Add: MILWAUKEE/ST. PAUL (Jerry Rasmussen)
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:08 PM

Milwaukee/St. Paul
(Jerry Rasmussen)

Walking down the tracks on a dusty day
With the long steel rails so shiny
Now they tore the railroad depot down
And the tracks have all gone rusty

Fishing off the edge of a railroad bridge
You canf feel those steel rails humming
Better put your bait and your bucket down
'cause the train will soon be coming

All you got to do is to walk those ties
And they're bound to lead you to the country
Lie on your back in the tall, sweet grass
Or you can take your dog and go hunting

I could sit and watch those trains all day
And the cars just keep on coming
Chicago Northwestern, Milwaukee St. Paul
And the steel rails keep on humming

Words and music by Jerry Rasmussen

Subject: Lyr Add: RAILROAD LADY
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 11:29 AM

Railroad Lady

by (????)

She's a railroad lady, just a little bit shady
Spending her day's on the train
She's a semi-good-looker, but the fast rails, they took her
Now she's tryin', just tryin' to get home again

South station in Boston to the stockyards of Austin
From the Florida sunshine to the New Orleans rain
Now that the railpacks have taken the best tracks
She's tryin', just tryin' to get home again

* Refrain

She's a railroad lady, just a little bit shady
Spendin' her days on the train
Once a pullman car traveler, now the switchman won't have her
She's tryin', just tryin' to get home again

Once a highballing loner thought he could own her
He bought her a fur coat and a big diamond ring
But he hopped on for cold cash, left town on the Wabash
Never thinkin', never thinkin' for home way back then

Now the rails are all rusty and the dining car's dusty
Gold plated watches have taken their toll
Railroads are dying and the lady is crying
On a bus to Kentucky and home that's her goal

* Refrain


This is one of my favorite train songs and I didn't see it in the thread. Hope I didn't miss it! harpgirl

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 10:28 PM

...oh and I sing "But she hocked them for cold cash", left town on the Wabash. Made more sense to me....hg

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:35 AM

Sorcha,

I have always sung it as----------

The clickety sound of the southbound freight,
The high speed hum of the passenger train,
They're part of the heart and the soul soul and the mind
Of the boy whose raised by the railroad line.

That's how I heard it...

Great song.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 03:01 PM

(only one "soul")

Art

Subject: RE: BS: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Warren
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 01:27 PM

Don't forget Steve Fromholz, "Texas Trilogy," the middle section of which is "Train Ride."

Texas Trilogy, Steve Fromholz

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,dLakota
Date: 14 Nov 02 - 09:46 AM

I'm looking for the lyrics to a song that starts "Silver Rails rolling down(round) the track.... like a ribbon in the wind..." A group used to sing it at the park by the Santa Fe Station in Lamy, NM when I lived there. Thanks for Freight Train. I met Elizabeth Cotton twenty some years ago. What a sweet, gentle sparkler!

Subject: Lyr Add: NOT JUST A TRAIN (Kelly/Mann)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 03 - 04:33 PM

Spirit of the West's "Not Just a Train":

NOT JUST A TRAIN
Geoffrey Kelly/John Mann 1989

I can strum a little; I can hold a chord
This ain't the gospel and I ain't the Lord
I'm no holy roller, but for what it's worth
My freedom's a train ride to Heaven on Earth

It's not just a train
It's saying goodbye
Saying hello
To where we have been
Where we might go
What we have passed
What we might see
It's not just a train
It's freedom to me

Kids flatt'nin' pennies, as the iron horse rolls by
Between the trains I see an old man, a face full of smiles
A young woman crying as her lover leaves
Gun on his shoulder and stripes on his sleeve

It's not just a train
It's saying goodbye
Saying hello
To where we have been
Where we might go
Places we've passed
Places we'll see
It's not just a train
It's freedom to me

Through a crack in the the slats, a harvest moon shines
On Harper Lee's pages, I turn to kill time
The car toads are waiting for me at the station
To give a bum's rush to a frost bitten `bo

It's not just a train
It's saying goodbye
Saying hello
To where we have been
And where we might go
People we've passed
People we'll see
It's not just a train
It's freedom to me
Freedom to me
Freedom to me
Freedom...

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 03 - 04:35 PM

A couple of Lightfoot classics: "Steel Rail Blues" and "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Gareth
Date: 17 May 03 - 07:36 PM

Mmmmmn !

Try this thread for the words of Dave Goulders " The Day we ran away ". Click 'Ere Superb Song !!!!! (and see the last part of this post for a story).

And I am a tad suprised that McColl's "The Ballad of John Axon" has not had a mention. Now as an Ex(?) Anorak this thread raises the subject and also includes Bob Bolton's (AUS) and Wolfgang's (Germany) supperb transcription of the key song theme in "The Ballard of John Axon" < a href="http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=52629"> Click 'Ere

BTW My Hornby model has been dismantled, cleaned of all old paint, and I am know getting on with the super detailing. It will require a "Fowler" 3500 gallon tender rather tha the "Stanier" 4000 gallon curverd side tender supplied by Hornby, but these are obtainable in the second hand shops. Then painting !!! Pictures will be posted in due time.

On railway songs --- ? Cosher Bailey anyone ???

Now a little bit of digression on "The day we ran away". And this might give its age away. Once upon a time there was a Coal Field in Kent(UK) Coal was shipped from it in standard - unbraked - 16 and 20 ton wagons. The only breaking force was the breaks on the locomotive, and the van at the back (USA = Caboose).

Now one dark night (thank God) A Coal Train out of Snowden Colliery (Kent) lost- due to a technical problem, the locomotive break (on a type 71 Electric Loco) comming down the bank (USA=Grade) from Selling - 700 tons of Coal took charge. Fortunnately it was late at night and the signalman at Faversham was able to give a clear run, once he realised there was a problem. It took the crew anothe 7 to 8 mile to regain control using the hand break and the rising bank at Teynham. Now the "second man" (= Drivers assistant) was a folky, and aquaintance of mine. Two weeks later he walked into the Faversham Folk Club in the "Chimney Boy"(??) to be greeted by a rendering of "The day we ran away". He did not see the funny side. As he said later " God knows what was in front of us, and we had a full load behind, they'd have sacked us if we'd jumped, and survived - and that **** thinks it was funny !!!"

I can see his point.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Gareth
Date: 17 May 03 - 07:45 PM

Oh "B****r" Click 'Ere for the Axon thread

Gareth

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST, GEST
Date: 18 May 03 - 11:47 AM

Some Newfoundland train songs, just to help this short thread along. :-)

The Newfie Bullet

Memories Of The Newfie Bullet

The Engineer's Song

Waiting At Gambo Station

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: delphinium
Date: 18 May 03 - 10:50 PM

Eileen McGann has a good song about the importance of the railway in Canada - "Rolling Home Canadian" on her Journeys album (1995). The chorus goes:

Rollin', rollin',
Rollin' home,
As long as I can hear the train
I know I'm not alone.
Stitching up this country
Between my family and me,
The railway ties are ties that bind,
From sea to sea to sea.

(The Journeys album also has a song called "Another Train" - which is not about a train.)

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Merritt
Date: 19 May 03 - 08:58 AM

What a great thread!

Train Whistle Blues - Jimmie Rodgers (circa 1930)

On the Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe - Johnny Mercer (1945) - this was a hit in '45!

People Get Ready - "don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.."

Working on the Railroad - used to play this in an instrumental duo; works really well as a funky, alternating bass fingerstyle sort of song

The Train That Carried My Girl From Town - not sure who wrote; probably late 1920s; Mike Dowling does on his Beats Working album

- Merritt

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: smokeyjoe
Date: 19 May 03 - 11:24 AM

SINGING STEEL RAILS
Well I stood at the side of the railroad line
just waitin' for an eastbound train
I heard a mighty roar and I knew for sure
I was on my way again
(cho.)
I don't know just where I'm bound, I only know where I've been
I can't seem to settle down, The road's my only friend

Well I climbed aboard an old boxcar, and I watched the world pass by
And I thought about my one true love, the one I left behind.
(cho.)
Well I think I'll ride this old freight train, just to see where it will go
And I hope the singin' silver rails will ease my troubles so....
(cho.)

-one of mine.

A couple of others that I love to play:
Boomer's Story -Ry Cooder
Hobo's Lullabye -various
Anniversary Blue Yodel (among many) -Jimmie Rogers

-smokeyjoe; railfan, muscician, etc.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: fsharpdim7
Date: 19 May 03 - 11:57 AM

Thinking about Johnny Cash and hoping he's doing ok - IMHO, his best train song was on Marty Stuart's cd, he did "One Last Ride," and Doc and Marty did the breaks - I don't think it gets any better.
Also, I think the Carter family book says that AP was walking along and he heard Sara singing "Engine 143" - he followed the sound to her door - and the rest, as they say, is history. Shame they just were not more suited to each other in other ways.
Chris

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Phot
Date: 19 May 03 - 03:25 PM

The best railway tune I know is a King or a Castle,13 on,full chat up Wellington bank!,..Bliss

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: denise:^)
Date: 19 May 03 - 04:57 PM

"Jenny Dreamed of Trains," written by Guy Clark and Vince Gill, has been recorded several times, and is a fairly 'recent' train song.

Denise:^)

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 May 03 - 06:01 PM

THE TRAIN THAT CARRIED MY GIRL FROM TOWN is by Frank Hutchison of West Virginia.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Gareth
Date: 19 May 03 - 06:45 PM

Mmmmm ! Phot I am old enuf to remember the 9F's on the Ebbw Vale iron ore trains, or a 28XX up the bank from Pontypool - Man that was 2 cylinder heavy metal.

Gareth - Ah! Gods Wonderful Railway. !

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Phot
Date: 20 May 03 - 01:27 AM

Gareth, i can only agree, and talking of heavy metal, Saxon, Princess of the night, its all about a 9F!

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Li'l Aussie Bleeder
Date: 20 May 03 - 03:02 AM

I 'm having a vague day. To the best of my recollection, i think 'people get ready' was Angel Train. And did The Seekers do one called 'Morningtown Ride"
L

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Phot
Date: 24 May 03 - 12:19 PM

Li'l Aussie Bleeder, yes The Seekers did do Morningtown Ride. I have very bad recollections of it!!   

Just ask the Christmas tree!!

Subject: Lyr Add: RAILWAY WIDOW'S BLUES (John Warner)
From: GUEST,Anne/NZ
Date: 25 May 03 - 04:08 AM

I have to add this Australian song! I perform it regularly at our folk club. This song is a railroad tune from a woman's perspective:

RAILWAY WIDOW'S BLUES
Written by John Warner. Sung by Margaret Walters on 'Trains of Treasure'. (A web search will easily find their web page.) They do a number of railroad tunes, including "Kaikoura Railway Memorial" about constructing the Picton to Christchurch line in New Zealand.

Come, all you women; hear me complain.
Don't mix with a man who drives a train,
Or you'll be sorry; you’ll be blue
Every time a train goes through.

You pack his crib the night before.
He's up and eating at half past four.
It's still pitch dark when he shuts the door,
And you hear his train go through.

Many the night you lie and dream
Of how you and him could raise some steam
Shunting and coupling to and fro;
Pull the regulator till the steam valves blow.

But you're all alone at the break of day,
With your man two hundred miles away.
It's a barrack shift, so he's bound to stay
Till another train goes through.

The right-of-way's just out the back,
Where the coal train garage rumbles off the track,
Droppin' soot and cinders till your washing’s black,
Every time the train goes through.

That man of mine, he's proud and tall;
Moves his body like a cannonball,
But he’s off before dawn at the shift boy's call,
And another train goes through.

Oh, he'll be back in another day,
But you can't build dreams on a hogger's pay.
When he's back home, a girl could weep.
It's food and bath and twelve hour sleeps.

So come, all you women; hear me complain.
Don't mess with those fellows who drive the train.
You'll be so sorry; you'll be blue,
Every time a train goes through,
Every time a train goes through.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: denise:^)
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 12:09 PM

"Morningtown Ride" is a very nice children's song written by Malvina Reynolds. I believe they have it listed under "lullabies" in Rise Up Singing, but I know they don't have it with the exact lyrics I learned as a child. It has also been made into a picture book.

I don't think it was ever really intended to entertain adults--although the Irish Rovers covered it, too...

Denise:^)

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Jazzyjack
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 01:09 PM

Presently ,my favourite song to play is Stephen Fearing's " On The Great Divide " with great backup harmony from Jonelle Mosser. : hook " It's a long train and everybody has to ride "

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST TRAIN - Harvey Andrews
From: harvey andrews
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 02:56 PM

THE LAST TRAIN

It was the last train of the evening.
The sun was setting low
As we pulled out of the station.
I glanced up to see its glow,
In the window a reflection
Of a face I used to know,
In an old life, in a young life,
We both lived so long ago.

She could dance from dusk till dawning.
She could twist and shout with joy,
And I was hers forever, her first and only boy.
But in that old life, in that young life,
I was far too smart to know
That the one regret I'd harbour yet
Was that I let her go.

She was reading as I watched her
Till she turned another page.
From the lines upon her face now,
You could never tell her age.
But I knew I looked so different,
Time just hadn't been that kind.
On my face were etched the failures
Of the life I'd left behind.

As we slowed, she closed her novel,
Stood to take her suitcase down,
Turned and paused and stared at me,
Then, shadowed by a frown,
Shook her head, took her case, moved towards the door,
Another time, another place,
But leaving me once more.
It was the last train of the evening...

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: mg
Date: 16 Jun 03 - 11:09 PM

anyone mention Danville Girl????? I haven't been back through the whole thread...

I am tryi8ng to remember the words to an Ian Tyson song..lonely girls linger by the door..can't remember if it has trains in it or not..

mg

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Frankham
Date: 17 Jun 03 - 11:57 AM

There are so many. Not many know that boogie woogie style of piano playing came from the southwest by itinerant blues piano players emulating the sounds of the fast trains highballing by. They called it "fast Western". Weseley Wallace recorded Train 29 (?), the first boogie woogie recording on the piano depicting a train ride he had.

Traditional train songs include:
Jay Gould's Daughter- Carl Sandburg's American Songbag
Casey Jones by a wheel-house workman, Saunders who was reputed to write the original
Way Out West, a pop country song of the thirties
All Around the Watertank by the singing brakeman, Jimmy Rogers,
900 Miles, Train 45 and Old Rueben (all related)
Train on the Island from Anthology of American Folk Music, Harry Smith ed. on Folkways
The Train That Took My Gal From Town recorded by Frank Hutchinson,
See Eloise Go Linin' Track (chain gang song)
In the Pines
Jerry Go and Ile That Car...Carl Sandburg, American Songbag
Mormon Railway (Hoorah, Hooray)...Sam Hinton
Variations of John Henry
The Hellbound Train.... sung by Glen Ohrlin
Hedy West's rewrite on 500 Miles
Thought I Heard That Katy When She Blows...Anthology..Harry Smith
Theres plenty more.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 12:33 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ron Davies
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 06:56 AM

Admittedly the songs he plays are by definition pre-1976 ( he calls his show The Obsolete Music Hour) but Dick Spottswood (WAMU public radio) plays 2 solid hours of nothing but train songs once a year. It used to be 3 hours, when his show was 3 hours long. Now he talks about how he has to leave so many out. What he plays the rest of the year is also great.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Fred (Beetle) Bailey
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 11:13 AM

Magnificent thread! Since the original post solicited recent songs, how 'bout some help/comment/criticism
(pm or otherwise) (or maybe even a title?)
for a (c) work in progress?

Did 'ja hear my daddy was an engineer
Down the Eastern Seaboard Line
Smoke and steam and a Georgia Dream
And a baby got left behind
When he went through -- and the whistle blew

My momma she went to cookin' and we
Moved further down the track
In the smoke and damp of the labor camps
And we never did look back
'Til she was gone -- and I went on

Well, I headed west in the summer time
Gonna see if I could find my way
Through the B & O and the U.P.,
Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
And the Burlington -- and the Erie Lackawana

When I'm laying awake at midnight
I hear the lonesome sound
One 'a these days it'll get in my ear
And I'm gonna blow this town
Go back out -- to where I been
   
      (or maybe alternatively??)

Laying awake at midnight
I can hear that lonesome song
You wake up alone some morning, baby
Then you'll know that I'll be gone
But won't you please think well of me

Now when I'm through my ramblin'
I wouldn't want anybody sad
Just tell all my good-time friends
It was a pleasure being had
But when I'm gone -- party on!

(call me old enough to remember the sound of a Santa Fe coal-burner steaming through town on a summer's night)

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 06:49 PM

Hally used to sing a song that started:
    "Trouble in mind -- I'm blue
    But I won't be blue always"...
that had a "Train" verse in it:
    "I'm gonna lay my head
      On some lonesome railroad line
      And let the (train time here) come on and
      Satisfy my mind."
Makes me shiver.

Went through this thread, didn't see (might have missed) mention of Roy Acuff's "Take That Night Train to Memphis". Mother liked Roy Acuff.

    ..."Amd we'll have a JUBILEE
       Down in Memphis, Tennessee,
       And we'll shout HALLELUJAH all the way!"
Amen.   Tw

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: mandotim
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 07:04 PM

How about 'Travelling by Steam' by Huw and Tony Williams? Covered by Fairport on Jewel in the Crown.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Francy
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 07:18 PM

I'm presenting a concert in Toledo, Ooregon this Friday, September 17th called "
When Steam Was King" w/ Larry Penn from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Mark Dvorak from Chicagwe, Illinois.......the story of railroad in song and story.........Larry is a fine writer and a member of the Rose Tattoo and Mark is a fine singer, banjo picker and guitarist who also is a member of Weavermania.....
Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ron Davies
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 10:31 PM

Beetle-

Song sounds really promising. Solidly in the tradition of lots of good old train songs.

Curious about your rhyme scheme

Verses 1 and 2--internal rhyme in line 3 of each

e.g Smoke and steam and a Georgia dream
       In the smoke and damp of the labor camps

but then the internal rhyme drops out. I think internal rhyme is great for this sort of song--is it possible you could carry it on through the rest of the song (3rd lines)?

Love to hear the melody.


The last words "party on" would probably not be in a traditional song. Depends on what your goal is--if traditional sound is not important, it's no problem.

My hat's off to anybody who can write a traditional-sounding song-----congratulations!

Subject: Lyr Add: Train songs lyrics link
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 05:50 AM

http://www.able2know.com/forums/about1143-0-asc-0.html

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Box Car
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 06:36 PM

Songs about Trains and Trains in Songs

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 10:23 PM

Lin from Kansas: Nope
Snippets from memory:

Just a kid acting smart
I nearly broke my darlin's heart
I guess I was too young to know.
They put me on the Georgis train
Tied me to a ball and chain.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

And my hair is white as the snow.
I'll never see that gal of mine
Lord, I'm in Georgia doing time.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

Subject: Lyr Add: FAST FREIGHT
From: GUEST,Hanrod
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 06:35 PM

Well, no one has mentioned this, so I will mention my favorite train song, trying for (some of) the lyrics from memory -- don't know who wrote it, but from an old Kingston Trio album 30 years or so ago, with some great words, interesting collateral "train sounding" phrases and haunting, minor key, stuff...

FAST FREIGHT

As I lie awake and listen, as I lie awake and wait
I wish the railroad didn't run so near;
'Cause the rattle and the clatter of that old fast freight
Keeps a makin' music in my ear...

Go bum again, go bum again;
Well, clickety-clack 'n' clickety-clack
The wheels are sayin' to the railroad track
Well if ya go ya' can't come back,
If ya' go ya' can't come back,
If ya go-o-o-o...ya' can't come back.

Well I wouldn't give a nickel for the bum I used to be
I work as hard as any man in town;
And I got a pretty girl and she thinks the world of me -
A man 'd be a fool to let 'er down...

CHORUS (above)...

...and other verses I can't remember. Look it up, it's worth it!

... even wrote my own (not exactly) train song lyrics, an interminably long piece that attempts to recount the history of black men in all the wars of this Country's history:

TRAIN RIDE WITH ZACK

Last night was thinkin' back to when, I met a black man on the train;
In sixty-one, was discharged then, so I missed Vietnam.
Old man said his name was Zack, had a bottle in a paper sack;
He drank and passed the bottle back; I drank and did the same.

We're standin' in the vestibule, between the cars the air was cool;
The bottleneck, this fussy fool, I wiped before I drank.
He said 'young soldier what's yer name - this whiskey kills the germs my friend;
I drank and swallowed down my shame, and said my name was...Frank.

When we're young, we're inclined to be shallow,
When we're old, we're inclined to be sad;
But when I think back to my train ride with Zack,
I just think of the blessings I've had.

I wore my proud-pressed uniform, those three red stripes there on my arm;
My single ribbon meant no harm - to their side nor to ours.
Looked like a while since he'd last slept, red eyes kept shifting right and left,
An old cut creased his forehead cleft – a scarecrow man of scars.

He said 'I'm AWOL from your war', I choked a laugh and swallowed hard,
What would war want this old man for? - He said 'I've seen 'em all'.
'I fought in revolution days, the Colonel too, I was his slave;
I heard the orders that he gave; he heard his country's call'.

'Then In '04 my name was 'York', with Lewis, slave to Captain Clark.
Across the wild and wasteful stark Great Plains and mountains too.
We journeyed up the Missouri, fought Mandan, Sioux and 'Ricaree,
Wild animals you'll never see, exceptin' at the zoo.'

'In sixty-two I ran away, I knew there would be Hell to pay,
And so I fought against the gray, a black man wearin' blue.
Your President then freed the slaves, and I gave thanks to 'Honest Abe',
But hunger took what freedom gave, some said 'twas over due.'

'So when I was free to come or go I soldiered with the Buffalo,
We did your dirty work, you know, did what we had to do.
Fought the western tribes of Indians, as they made their final stands;
So many killed to win these lands - but Little Big Horns too.'

'In Cuba then in ninety-eight, of course the troop transport was late;
That summer heat I learned to hate, for Teddy and for you.
Up San Juan Hill and El Caney, the 9th and 10th black cavalry
Our officers were white, but see, they died like black men too.

The Western front in World War One, I carried shells for allied guns;
I fell and thought my fightin's done, but it was not to be.
The Arizona, World War Two, to be a mess-man was my due.
I never heard the bomb that blew me out into the sea.

'Korean War was just too cold, by this time I was gettin' old;
But equal treatment had me sold, five thousand black men died.
Well, I can see it on your face, you 'spect I am a mental case;
And Hell, I guess I know my place, I guess you think I lied.'

I woke next morning down the line; asked every one I tried to find
Him; 'hair of dog' was on my mind – no one knew who I meant.
Well now I'm old, so long in tooth, I think I know the real truth;
To shame my pride, my callow youth, old Zack was heaven sent.

When we're young, we're inclined to be shallow,
When we're old, we're inclined to be sad;
But when I think back to my train ride with Zack
I just think of the blessings I've had.

Last night was thinkin' back to when, I met a black man on the train;
'Twas in the year of sixty-one … can't be … that young … again…

©HANROD Systems 9/2000

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 04:25 PM

Wes Modes has posted a nice (but not comprehensive) discography of train songs here (click).
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,blue
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 05:13 PM

Mystery Train - Elvis

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,blue
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 05:15 PM

Also, I forgot to mention; The Legend Of John Henry's Hammer - Johnny Cash.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: cookster
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 05:43 PM

Wreck of the old 97 - Johnny Cash,and Long Black Train - Josh Turner. which is a new one 2004 is when it came out.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 07:35 PM

"2:10, 6:18" - The Kingston Trio performed it, and I think John Stewart wrote it.

"The Wreck of the Old 97" hit a nerve only because, several years ago, I was enjoying Christmas dinner with an old family friend, Dr. Vann. He was 98 years of age at the time, a very courtly and dignified gentleman, and a retired Navy doctor. He mentioned that his home town was Danville, Virginia. I asked if he was familiar with the song about the "Old 97" and his eyebrows went up a bit. It turns out that he, as a thirteen year old boy, had hitched up a wagon for his father, who was the only doctor in the area, and driven him to the wreck to minister to the living victims - mostly morphine.
It's not often that you meet a living connection to the music. He even corrected some of the "poetic license" particulars in the song, about the setting, the distance, etc., etc.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 07:45 PM

Addendum:

This thread is so long, I don't have time to peruse it while at the office. But, Gordon Lightfoot's "Steel Rail Blues" was a latter day favorite. Someone earlier referred to a Bud & Travis railroad song. Travis has a website and may have lyrics on it. I know he is selling remastered CD's of their old stuff, which should include the song.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ref
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 07:50 PM

Larry Penn's "Run, Kate Shelley, Run."

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Bardford
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 09:51 PM

Here's a website with a boxcar full of info about the Canadian CD "Songs of the Iron Trail", recorded by Barry Luft, Tim Rogres, Grit Laskin, Patty Rogers and Roy Warhurst.

From the website: "Songs of the Iron Trail is a digitized and reordered version of the 1983 vinyl album of the same title. Research on the songs has been updated."

Songs of the Iron Trail

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 10:07 PM

seeing this thread reminded me i bought a book about 20 years ago..

i've quickly 'Ctrl/F'ed this page to check if it has already been mentioned..

[found a partial reference 'Ctrl/F'ing the word "scalded"..]


anyway, you might want to check your local library for.....



"Scalded to Death by the Steam"

Katie Letcher Lyle 1983 [forward by Mike Harding]
First published in USA by Algonquin Books
WH Allen 1885


"Authentic stories about railroad disasters and the Ballads
that were written about them"

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 10:14 PM

..or Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 11:09 PM

Here is my song for my ancestors..

My name is Fitzgerald from Ireland I came
Here's to the men who are building the rail (each verse)
To join the great Garveys of railroading fame
May their hearts never break may their strength never fail

If your name should be Garvey you're likely a boss
..
America's luck is Ireland's loss
..

So I joined with my cousins my comrads and pals..
Like their fathers before them who built the canals..

Don't drink and don't gamble our dear others cried..
But there's ice in the tent and its freezing outside..

Many fine men came from over the seas..
The boxcars were filled with the bones of Chinese..

If we come back this way there are graves we will keep..
Of men so exhausted they died in their sleep..

Should I ever falter should I ever die..
Just pack me with powder and blow me sky high..

mg

Subject: ADD: That Train Song (Phil Halliday)
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 10:16 PM

Sinsull and Linn, I think this is the song you're thinking of:

Lonesome Whistle - Hank Williams
(deleted - corrected version below)

---

Another train song that we do:

THAT TRAIN SONG
Phil Halliday (Canadian)

Well, he gave all he had to my maw and me
Just another boy child he would never see
My maw and my paw went their separate ways
I was born on a midnight train.

Well, I was raised in a railside shack
And I'd fall asleep to that clickety clack
All day long I'd run alongside
Learned real young how to hop a ride

Well, I got a soul like a runaway train
I got a heart that feels no pain
When you're born with a track beneath your bed
You sleep, one eye open, pointin' straight ahead...

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Rowan
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 10:40 PM

Callie mentioned (seven years ago)

Tom Waits' "Downtown Train" and a wonderful song called "Poison Train" by a man in Darwin (Australia) whose name eludes me.
--Callie

A couple of postings have mentioned Mike O'Rourke as the author of Poison Train (and Battler's Ballad) and I thought it appropriate to mention Mike was originally from Brisbane and recorded the songs with Flying Pieman when he lived in Melbourne.

There's also the song that celebrates Sergeant Small.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME WHISTLE (Hank Williams)
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Jul 07 - 12:46 PM

Darn- I knew I'd get it wrong. Here is the third verse corrected:

LONESOME WHISTLE
(Hank Williams)

I was ridin' Number 9, headin' south from Carolin'
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
Got in trouble, had to roam, I left my gal, I left my home
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

Just a kid acting smart
I went and broke my darlin's heart
I guess I was too young to know.
They put me on the Georgia Main
Locked me to a ball and chain.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

All alone I bear the shame, I'm a number not a name
I heard that lonesome whistle blow
All I do is sit and cry when that evenin' train goes by
I heard that lonesome whistle blow

I'll be locked here in this cell 'til my body's just a shell
And my hair is whiter than snow.
I'll never see that gal of mine
Lord, I'm in Georgia doin' time.
I heard that lonesome whistle blow.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Bernard Sanders, England
Date: 02 May 10 - 05:52 PM

My great-great grandfather was William H Brinkworth, born Shoreditch, east London 1835,son of a musician. In the 1860s-70s he led the orchestra at the Britannia theatre in Hoxton (home to the British Music Hall genre)and was also musical director for a string of Broadway shows, regularly commuting the Atlantic by steamboat.

He wrote a song called "The Young man on the railway." Can any one come up with the full lyrics or music?

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Suffet
Date: 03 May 10 - 12:42 AM

A recently composed song is The Dixieland Express, one of my own compositions. It's on my Now the Wheel Has Turned CD, and you can hear a 30-second clip by going to this page.

Here are the lyrics and guitar chords in A (although I recorded it in B):

The Dixieland Express
By Stephen L. Suffet © 2004.   Country swing in 4/4.


A                               D                     A
Gonna ride that midnight train, south from Portland, Maine,

                              E7
Rolling down the New England shore,

      A                               D             A
Gonna kiss that gal of mine, tomorrow night in Caro-line,

                     E7            A
And I'm never gonna leave her any-more.

      D                  A
Roll on (roll on), roll on (roll on),

                                    E7
It's roll on to the land I love the best!

         A                         D                A
If this train keeps a-chuggin', my gal I'll soon be huggin',

                  E7            A
I'm riding on the Dixieland Ex-press.


Gonna ride that midnight train, south from Portland, Maine,
Rolling down the New England shore,
Gonna kiss that gal of mine, tomorrow night in Caroline,
And I'm never gonna leave her anymore.

Chorus:
Roll on (roll on), roll on (roll on),
It's roll on to the land I love the best!
If this train keeps a-chuggin', my gal I'll soon be huggin',
I'm riding on the Dixieland Express.

The fireman stokes the coal, as the engine starts to roll,
Roaring past the fishing boats and farms,
And the headlight that gleams, it brightens the dreams,
Of lying in my own true love's arms.

[chorus]

I've been working way up north, for twelve long months or more,
Out where the cold nor'easter blows,
Gonna take this southbound ride, along the coast I'll glide,
Back to where the honeysuckle grows.

[chorus]

Now the sun begins to rise, to the clatter of the ties,
Halfway there, I'll be home when it sets,
If this train runs me right, I'll see my gal tonight,
I'm riding on the Dixieland Express.

[double chorus]


Enjoy!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Bobert
Date: 03 May 10 - 10:58 AM

Bein' a bluesman I do alot of train songs:

"Empire State Express" by Son House is my favorite...

Others:

"Train I Ride" ("Mystery Train")

"Mean 'ol Frisco"

My Originals:

"Amtrac Blues"

"Legend of the Churchill Tunnel"...

I've often thought of doin' an entire CD of train songs...

B~

Subject: The Young Man on the Railway
From: Artful Codger
Date: 19 May 10 - 09:23 AM

At long last, Bernard Sanders' query about his great-great-grandfather's song "The Young Man on the Railway" has been answered here:
http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=129575

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 May 10 - 10:40 AM

I think it is a good idea, Bobert. There are many theme parties or segments thereof
, and railroads are a frequent theme. Not to mention that it would be fun to learn some that people around here don't know. :)

Juneau, Alaska has no trains and I miss them. They keep talking about cutting a road north to end close to Skagway. It is controversial because it is mountainside all the way with 68 known avalanche chutes and there are a number of sea lion rookeries that would be impacted, as well as other wildlife.

My suggestion is to build a railway, mostly inside the mountains' edges with occasional open air arches; in addition to a passenger car and freight car they should add a couple of flat beds where people could transport their cars.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 May 10 - 09:25 PM

Australian Railway Songs Blogspot including poems. First edition of the Railway Song Book was launched at the National Folk Festival, Easter 2010 & is available from the Bush Music Club ($AUD20, includes postage & packing - enquire about overseas rates)

This collection of Australian Railway songs, poems, music, anecdotes and stories is being brought together by the Bush Music Club for a working book of material that can be used by bands and individuals for developing concerts and other performances on the theme of Australian Railways.

For over 150 years songwriters, poets musicians and writers have observed and recorded many aspects of Australian railway life. Many of the songs and poems came directly from those who were employed in building or operating national railway systems. Others items came from those who used railways as passengers, or recall trains amongst their earliest memories.

Collecting the experiences of railways recorded by songwriters and poets across thousands of miles of Australian railway tracks remains a huge task. In presenting this small collection as a working source of railway related material the Bush Music Club encourages bands and individual performers songwriters poets and other writers to expanded their repertory by seeking other material from sources such as Australian Railway Heritage groups like the Werris Creek Railway Museum, folk clubs, current railway workers and their unions as well producing their own items.

As part of the ongoing effort to collect Australian Railway Songs and Poems and to ensure their ongoing use in such events as next year's International Railway Heritage Conference. the Bush Music Club is preparing a work book of Australian Railway songs and poems that it hopes to publish in time for the National Folk Festival at Easter. The contents will be limited to 50 items they appear in this blog as research for the final document.

What we want is details of the song and poem as written, a music score and correct references that will allow us to approach sources of the material that may still be in copyright. Other material like photographs will be added as the work progress.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: olddude
Date: 19 May 10 - 09:40 PM

Well I wrote one called south bound train for those who haven't heard it
SB train

:-) Dan

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Bobert
Date: 19 May 10 - 10:22 PM

Well, that's it, Eb... If I do another CD it will be nuthin' but train songs...

BTW, there's a song entitled "Peavine Blues"... Can't remember right now who did it but I think it would be a nice song to put on the CD...

BTW, Part 2... When I was in Clarksdale, Ms. at the Delta Blues Museum I was talkin' with this guy and he showed me on a map where the Peavine Railroad ran...

B~

Subject: RE: Train Songs, 'The Young man on the Railway'
From: GUEST,Bernard Sanders, UK
Date: 05 Jun 10 - 07:03 PM

Bless you Artful Codger for re-connecting me with my ancestor, William H Brinkworth. This means a lot to me and I thank you from my heart.

He wrote other too you know, for example 'Happy Little Flip-Flaps', whihc I take to be a song about birds.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ian Fyvie
Date: 16 Jan 11 - 09:35 PM

A few thoughts....

Train Songs or Railway Songs?

The US tradition seems - as a huge generalization I must admit - to be based on stories of human ordeal, grafted onto trains as the stage/backdrop. I immediately think of this sort of song when I hear the term Train Song.

The UK tradition splits in two: the first (earlier) UK thread focusses on songs about the railwayman's (Engineer's) job working the trains, love of his job etc. The classics in this genre are from Ewan McColl and Dave Goulder and a few others.

The later thread (generally 1970's onward) is more about the social and political effects of cuts and modernization. These are written more from the view of campaigners and rail enthusiasts rather than rail workers. When I hear the term "Railway Song" I think more of this group.

May I (most humbly...) add that I have written over two dozen of this type of song from the late 1960s to late 1980s. Onesuch is a 1980s song about the Swanage Railway (see earlier posting on this thread), which was recorded and released by the band Cottage Industry on their own Rural Records label. I am performing 11 of these at the moment at folk venues.

My website, containing all the lyrics, histories and hopefully music, should be operational by Summer 2011.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: tritoneman
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:03 AM

One of my favourite train songs is 'The Slow Train' by Michael Flanders and Donald Swann. Written in response to the savage Marples /Beeching cuts being made to the railways in Britain in the early 1960's. It's clever, evocative and moving but doesn't easily fit into a 'folk' idiom.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:24 AM

More New Zealand:

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/railway-songs

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Chris B
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:28 AM

Yet more from NZ

http://folksong.org.nz/trainsongs.html

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Chris B.
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:31 AM

And in Oz.:

http://www.warrenfahey.com/rail-folklore/rail-lore.html

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Chris B.
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:35 AM

More from Oz.:

http://railwaystory.com/songs.htm

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 06:22 PM

And in the UK there is this free audio / download:

Lost Days of Steam

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Ian Fyvie
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 12:28 PM

I've heard "Slow Train" performed by two of three artists at folk clubs.

Interestingly, some of the railways mentioned in the song survived the Beeching axe and are now thriving. It shows how backward the Conservative government and UK establishment was.

But secondly, some railways that Dr Beeching was happy to leave open were later closed by a heaviily sinister clique in the British establishment which railway enthusiasts sometimes call "The Ministry of Roads".

If the MoR wanted to build a motorway or bypass, and there was a viable railway in the way - the railway was closed or truncated.

A brilliant TV Programme - with backup book - was made by the UK 'Chanel 4' telivision station. It was some time ago now but it's worth checking out as it touches on what sinister forces get up to in the lobbies of power. The Programme was called "LOSING TRACK".

Ian Fyvie

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: guitarman95
Date: 23 Jan 11 - 03:55 PM

Maybe I missed it but I cannot find mention of Roger Miller's ENGINE ENGINE #9

ENGINE ENGINE # 9

Engine engine number nine,
Comin' down the railroad line.
How much farther back did she get on.
An old brown suitcase that she carried,
I've looked for it everywhere it,
Just ain't here among the rest
And Im a little upset, tell me now
Engine engine number nine
Comin' down the railroad line
I know she got on in Baltimore.
A hundred ten miles ain't much distance
But it's sure to make a difference.
I don't think she loves me anymore

Lots of good ones mentioned. "Thanks all" I love it.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Zoe Bremer
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 08:57 AM

'The Wreck of the Old '97'. We regularly use the same tune at our square dance club but the caller knows it by another name.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: PHJim
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 04:59 PM

I read most of the posts, but got tired about 3/4 of the way down. Engine 143 or The Wreck On The C&O or The FFV was mentioned above as being by Joan Baez. In the Johnny Cash movie Walk The Line, Johnny, as a young boy, is listening to the radio late at night and we hear a bit of Engine 143 sung by The Carter Family.

Railroad Lady, also mentioned above was co-written by Jerry Jeff Walker and Jimmy Buffet.

Washboard Hank's Trainyards is a super song as is Roy Payne's The Trains Never Stop In Kingston Prison.
Has Fred Eaglesmith's The Rocket been mentioned?

I love Utah's Going Away (I think that's the title). It goes:

Is that the moon I see going down in the West,
Or just a headlight's glow; C&O Express?
I know she's gone, whatever I say
And it won't be long till I've made up my mind
And gone away.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,kiwi_bob
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 03:50 AM

Howdy, Sam,

The village of Omapere is quite a ways (prob'ly 30 miles? -- near the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour on the western coast) from Okaihau, but Lake Omapere is only about two miles from Okaihau, both up on the central plateau between the Hokianga and the Bay of Islands.

BTW, has anyone included Merle Haggard's great train song, "Miners' Silver Ghost"?

Warm rgds from NZ.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 05:32 AM

'Are you right there michael' by percy french. Funiculi funicula.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 06:08 AM

Don't know if it was mentioned before (I haven't got either the time or the energy to check!)but there were some very good songs on "The Ballad of John Axon (one of the the very well received BBC radio ballads)which was subsequently published on a vinyl LP by Argo Transacord which was part of the Decca group in the late 50's.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 06:13 AM

http://www.ewan-maccoll.info/AlbumInfo.aspx?ID=191

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 16 Feb 11 - 06:15 AM

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/reviews/801.htm

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 11:45 AM

I worked most of my life on railroads including about 10 years on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. These days I sing and play music for the visitors who come to ride on our old steam powered lokey rides up into the woods around Mount Rainier. If you would care to hear a new train song or two feel free to visit me at www.YouTube.com/theJWSparrow   thanks

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: olddude
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 09:05 PM

Jim
great songs !!

Subject: Cross ties on a railroad
From: GUEST,Guest rich
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 05:27 PM

Does anyone have the lyrics to this song as written by Dennis brown & recorded by Bill Garrett. I used to have this in vinyl but it`s gone missing from my collection.
Thanks,
Rich

Subject: Lyr Add: WORKIN' FOR THE MTA (Justin Townes Earle)
From: AnneMC
Date: 24 Jan 12 - 02:36 AM

WORKIN' FOR THE MTA : This song is unusual in being an urban train song - Justin Townes Earle writes about running the 6 train in New York City, which runs from the Brooklyn Bridge to Pelham Bay Park in Manhattan. The ATU (Amalgamated Transport Union) and its President Emeritus Warren George are mentioned in the song. "Workin' for the MTA" is on Justin Townes Earle's 2010 album, 'Harlem River Blues'. (Justin Earle is Steve Earle's son).

Workin' for the MTA

Well it's cold in them tunnels today
Well it's cold in them tunnels today
It's cold down in those tunnels today
Mama, workin' for the MTA

I run that six-line train
I run that six-line train
I run a six-line train
Clear from Brooklyn Bridge to Pelham Bay

I'm the son of a railroad man
I'm the son of a railroad man
I'm the son of a railroad man
Born and raised back in south Louisian'

This ain't my daddy's train
This ain't my daddy's train
This ain't my daddy's train
Mama, I ain't seen the sun in days

Yeah them hard times are goin' around
Hard times are goin' around
Hard times are goin' around
Bringin' hard luck on New York town

But I'm bankin' on the ATU
Bankin' on the ATU
I'm bankin' on the ATU
Brother Georgie's gonna see me through

So it's cold in them tunnels today
Well it's cold in them tunnels today, babe
It's cold in those tunnels today
Mama, workin' for the MTA
Yeah I'm workin' for the MTA

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,guest rt
Date: 10 Oct 15 - 01:00 PM

Is it Jimmie Rodgers' Waiting For A Train?

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,GUEST, guest rt
Date: 10 Oct 15 - 01:22 PM

No wait, (the only version I've heard)

Jimmie Rodgers Doesn't Anybody Know My Name

Lyrics at http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jimmie+rodgers/two+ten+six+eighteen+doesnt+anybody+know+my+name_20851954.html

Album title: 16 Hits of Jimmie Rodgers

Subject: Lyr Add: SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN (Jimmy Work)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Apr 17 - 03:50 PM

This could count as a chicken song, a food song, or a train song. (I.C. = Illinois Central)


SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
As recorded by Jimmy Work and the Tennessee Border Boys, 1951.

1. There's dinner in the diner that smells good to me.
They're servin' coffee and it's half past three.
The waiter said: "What will your order be?"
It's that southern fried chicken on that old I.C.

2. I bought me a ticket down in Memphis, Tennessee.
I said I was a-goin' down to good ol' New Orleans,
Because ev'ry night I can always eat
That southern fried chicken on that old I.C.

3. Now they fry it good an' brown with that old hick'ry wood.
They say that's what make it so doggone good,
And they serve you with a smile and hospitality.
It's that southern fried chicken on that old I.C.

4. Now when I leave Chicago at four-forty-five,
I'll be goin' through Tennessee when that moon begins to rise.
There's a sign says: "Special: a buck eighty-three."
It's that southern fried chicken on that old I.C.

5. [Repeat verse 2.]


[If this train goes from Chicago though Memphis to New Orleans, via the Illinois Central, wouldn't the train be "The City of New Orleans"? However, the times don't add up]

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 12 Apr 17 - 07:36 PM

There are one or two fictional heroines in railway stories - the Railway Children in the book of the same name, Mrs Kindly in a Thomas the Tank Engine story and Maggie in the song Bill Mason.

But Kate Shelley was a real-life heroine who crawled across a shuddering trestle bridge - in the dark - to save the Midnight Special. And now she has a song too.


The lightning flashed, the thunder crashed, the rain poured down all night
A noise outside her window woke Kate Shelley with a fright
The swollen stream in Honey Creek had washed the bridge away
And soon the Midnight Special would be heading on its way

So Kate picked up a lantern and she stepped into the night
The wind it whistled round her head and then blew out her light
The storm it shook the trestle bridge as Kate crawled slowly o'er
But Kate kept on until she reached the station agent's door        

There Kate stood wild and windswept as she tried to catch her breath
Stop the train, she cried, And spare the passengers from death!
The agent took her message and then down the wire it flew
To Ogden where the train was safely halted by the crew

Kate Shelley was the heroine who saved the midnight train
Her reward from the railroad was a gold watch and a chain
Her story hit the headlines and Kate Shelley she found fame
And trains still cross a bridge today that bears Kate Shelley's name

Kate Shelley was born in Ireland in 1865, and moved to the USA as an infant. And these words fit the tune of The Blarney Roses very well.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 12 Apr 17 - 07:53 PM

The Illinois Central Railroad introduced the original City of New Orleans on April 27, 1947 as a daytime companion to the overnight Panama Limited.

The 921-mile route, which the City of New Orleans covered in 15 hours 55 minutes, was the longest daytime schedule in the United States.

The City of New Orleans exchanged St. Louis—New Orleans through cars at Carbondale, Illinois and Louisville—New Orleans cars at Fulton, Kentucky.

Today the City of New Orleans is an Amtrak passenger train which operates on an overnight schedule between Chicago, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana. (Wikipedia)

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 13 Apr 17 - 03:57 AM

The Hugh Williams song "Travelling By Steam" (also covered by Fairport) is a good one which I play a fair bit at sessions and open mics.

Another good one is Bob Kenward's "Old Country Train" about the Hawkhurst Line in Kent...I played it for a railway enthusiast with a special interest in this line, and he was amazed at how much research must have gone into the song to get the terminology and "feel" just right.

From the USA, Eels' "Railroad Man" is both a nostalgic look at at bygone railroad days, and a metaphor for someone feeling disconnected from the times he's living in.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 13 Apr 17 - 04:08 AM

Lyrics for Bob's "Old Country Train":

Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst by way of Horsmonden
Pulling through the hopyards, pushing back again
Ramblers for Cranbrook, wagons for Churn Lane
We'll never see the like of the Old Country Train (Also Chorus)

Driver up the car end, sitting at his ease
Fireman on the engine, doing as he please
By Wealden woods and orchards, all the seasons through
We worked the line by pull-and-push on duty 312.

We'd a Chatham tank from Tonbridge, 17–0–4
And a two-set off the Brighton line, seen better years before
Never had a guard, just a crate or two of fruit
And a couple-or-three passengers all in their market suits:

Chorus...

September brought the hoppers, we watched them all go past
Coppertops and Converts, working fit to bust
Hammering through Goudhurst,charging Badger's Oak
With the roughest of the old stock they could find up in the Smoke:

Chorus... (or instrumental...fiddle works well)

I've taken out a Crompton from the yard at Hither Green
Come home off the Dover run, my working clothes all clean
But give me back the rails and that old Chatham tank
I'd be back on steam tomorrow, charging Cranbrook bank:

Chorus...

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 13 Apr 17 - 04:14 AM

Fairport's version of "Travelling By Steam" (with the tune "Travel By Steam" tacked on at the end!):
Travelling By Steam

And Eels "Railroad Man" (on Jools Holland, on the "Eels With Strings" tour:
Railroad Man

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 03:26 AM

One of the best train songs I know
Jim Carroll

The West Clare Railway
Michael ‘Straighty’ Flanagan, Inagh, Recorded 1978
Carroll Mackenzie Collection

Come listen unto me awhile I won’t detain you long.
I’ll sing you a few verses of a very comic song.
It’s all about the West Clare train that goes back to Loop Head,
And when that you were landed there you’ll wish that you were dead.

This is the way it jogs along a mile in every hour.
The only things ‘tis fit for is to hide you from a shower.
I own it is a holy show, ‘twould break your very heart,
I hope to God, they’ll pawn it soon and get an old bread cart

There are excursions every Sunday as you may plainly see
From the famous Ennis station to the cliffs of sweet Kilkee.
But sure you’d rather walk it than go in this cursed train,
For no matter how fine the day may be, ‘twill surely draw the rain.

It then jogs off up to Ruan and the first thing there you’ll see
Branded on a placard there is Liptons famous teas.
To take in some passengers she sometimes gives a call,
But anytime it stops there sure it knocks Moloney’s wall.

It then jogs on to Willbrook, and there twill stop also,
To take in a noted passenger boy, the name of Padrigín Crowe.
Sullivan gives orders, with his new railway hat.
And his face all spotted over just like a pox-marked cat.

We went one Sunday to Lahinch the weather it was fine.
And Sullivan gave orders he’d be back at half-past nine.
But when returning home that night, I’m sure he must be blind,
He never saw the station so he left us all behind.

We packed some new spuds in Miltown, and likewise some fresh beef.
When passing Lahinch station he was snoring fast asleep.
I’m sure they disagreed with him, they made the tummy swell.
For when passing Willbrook station he cried, “This is the Golf Hotel.”

He’ll soon be out in pension and for him we’ll get the news,
To drive around the station like a celebratory railway fool.
We’ll also write beneath his mouth, drop a penny in the slot.
And in thousands they will come to see this railway hotel pot.

Now to conclude I’ll finish and end this wretched call
I hope to god they’ll pawn it soon and not be wasting coal.
Or else they will repair it or get an old bread cart instead.
And I’ll also say we’ll rue the day that we went back to Loop Head.

The West Clare Railway opened on July 2nd in 1887. It was a steam driven rail service between Ennis and Kilrush and the journey took about 3 hours. It was a very important service to the people who lived along its route. Charles Stewart Parnell was invited to lift the first sod in laying of the tracks and the silver spade he used is exhibited in the de Valera Museum. The railway employed about 70 people in Ennis alone. It continued to run quite successfully up until World War II, when the pressure of improving roads finally began to tell and in 1948 the Irish National Railway (CIE) decided to close the line, but instead they replaced the steam engines with diesel engines. In 1952 four new diesel engines were supplied and in 1953 CIE bought three more. The last steam passenger train left Ennis on March 15, 1952. In 1955, the West Clare was the only diesel run, narrow gauge railway in Britain and Ireland. It continued to run at a loss and finally all services were closed down on February 1961. The Ennis station house built around 1860 served as the terminus of the West Clare Railway. Many of the old railway bridges, piers, banks and other such works are still standing.
In 1896 Percy French sued The West Clare Railway for £10 for a journey he took from Ennis which was delayed at Miltown Malbay, causing him to be late for an “entertainment” he was giving at Kilkee. French’s relationship with the West Clare Railway is immortalised in the song “Are You Right There Michael” In 1956, American director John Ford produced ‘A Minute's Wait’, a short comedy on the ‘hazards’ of travelling on ‘The West Clare’ filmed at Kilkee. Apart from French’s ‘revenge taking’ song, as far as we can make out there were at least another two songs about the railway.
This is a fragment which we found in a handwritten notebook of songs given to us by our late neighbour Pat MacNamara (Paddy Mac) of Miltown Malbay.

The Train Runs to Malbay
O’Brien dear, come listen here, I’ll tell to you some news,
And though you’re at your breakfast, the treat you won’t refuse.

No more the wintry winds we’ll face in Patsy Gorman’s car,
Or face the bleak Mount Callan when the elements are at war.

We’ll snugly sit and smoke our pipes in sunshine or in rain,
As we hasten home to Miltown in the West Clare railway train.

My father sure, I’m sore afraid, must sacrifice his ears,
When Daniel Barry comes along and wields his ready shears.

For though my father always believed the words of Columbcille,
He said the train would never run as far as Hynes’ Hill

We never found any more of it.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 09 Sep 19 - 03:26 AM

One of the best train songs I know
Jim Carroll

The West Clare Railway
Michael ‘Straighty’ Flanagan, Inagh, Recorded 1978
Carroll Mackenzie Collection

Come listen unto me awhile I won’t detain you long.
I’ll sing you a few verses of a very comic song.
It’s all about the West Clare train that goes back to Loop Head,
And when that you were landed there you’ll wish that you were dead.

This is the way it jogs along a mile in every hour.
The only things ‘tis fit for is to hide you from a shower.
I own it is a holy show, ‘twould break your very heart,
I hope to God, they’ll pawn it soon and get an old bread cart

There are excursions every Sunday as you may plainly see
From the famous Ennis station to the cliffs of sweet Kilkee.
But sure you’d rather walk it than go in this cursed train,
For no matter how fine the day may be, ‘twill surely draw the rain.

It then jogs off up to Ruan and the first thing there you’ll see
Branded on a placard there is Liptons famous teas.
To take in some passengers she sometimes gives a call,
But anytime it stops there sure it knocks Moloney’s wall.

It then jogs on to Willbrook, and there twill stop also,
To take in a noted passenger boy, the name of Padrigín Crowe.
Sullivan gives orders, with his new railway hat.
And his face all spotted over just like a pox-marked cat.

We went one Sunday to Lahinch the weather it was fine.
And Sullivan gave orders he’d be back at half-past nine.
But when returning home that night, I’m sure he must be blind,
He never saw the station so he left us all behind.

We packed some new spuds in Miltown, and likewise some fresh beef.
When passing Lahinch station he was snoring fast asleep.
I’m sure they disagreed with him, they made the tummy swell.
For when passing Willbrook station he cried, “This is the Golf Hotel.”

He’ll soon be out in pension and for him we’ll get the news,
To drive around the station like a celebratory railway fool.
We’ll also write beneath his mouth, drop a penny in the slot.
And in thousands they will come to see this railway hotel pot.

Now to conclude I’ll finish and end this wretched call
I hope to god they’ll pawn it soon and not be wasting coal.
Or else they will repair it or get an old bread cart instead.
And I’ll also say we’ll rue the day that we went back to Loop Head.

The West Clare Railway opened on July 2nd in 1887. It was a steam driven rail service between Ennis and Kilrush and the journey took about 3 hours. It was a very important service to the people who lived along its route. Charles Stewart Parnell was invited to lift the first sod in laying of the tracks and the silver spade he used is exhibited in the de Valera Museum. The railway employed about 70 people in Ennis alone. It continued to run quite successfully up until World War II, when the pressure of improving roads finally began to tell and in 1948 the Irish National Railway (CIE) decided to close the line, but instead they replaced the steam engines with diesel engines. In 1952 four new diesel engines were supplied and in 1953 CIE bought three more. The last steam passenger train left Ennis on March 15, 1952. In 1955, the West Clare was the only diesel run, narrow gauge railway in Britain and Ireland. It continued to run at a loss and finally all services were closed down on February 1961. The Ennis station house built around 1860 served as the terminus of the West Clare Railway. Many of the old railway bridges, piers, banks and other such works are still standing.
In 1896 Percy French sued The West Clare Railway for £10 for a journey he took from Ennis which was delayed at Miltown Malbay, causing him to be late for an “entertainment” he was giving at Kilkee. French’s relationship with the West Clare Railway is immortalised in the song “Are You Right There Michael” In 1956, American director John Ford produced ‘A Minute's Wait’, a short comedy on the ‘hazards’ of travelling on ‘The West Clare’ filmed at Kilkee. Apart from French’s ‘revenge taking’ song, as far as we can make out there were at least another two songs about the railway.
This is a fragment which we found in a handwritten notebook of songs given to us by our late neighbour Pat MacNamara (Paddy Mac) of Miltown Malbay.

The Train Runs to Malbay
O’Brien dear, come listen here, I’ll tell to you some news,
And though you’re at your breakfast, the treat you won’t refuse.

No more the wintry winds we’ll face in Patsy Gorman’s car,
Or face the bleak Mount Callan when the elements are at war.

We’ll snugly sit and smoke our pipes in sunshine or in rain,
As we hasten home to Miltown in the West Clare railway train.

My father sure, I’m sore afraid, must sacrifice his ears,
When Daniel Barry comes along and wields his ready shears.

For though my father always believed the words of Columbcille,
He said the train would never run as far as Hynes’ Hill

We never found any more of it.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,GUEST, Kathy in Wisconsin
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 12:41 PM

Volunteer music librarian here, got the following from a radio listener. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
‘Somewhere long ago I heard this lyric in a song. I think the line was,"It's always made me wonder, that steel made of thunder..." this was back in 1975 or so. I may have heard it on WFMT show the Midnight Special. Anyway, my friend asked me where I heard that phrase and I thought it may have been a song by U. Utah Phillips. I looked at his website and after some searching could not find that phrase in a song. Perhaps it was another singer/songwriter. Do you or any of your listeners know the source of "steel made of thunder.." in a train referenced song?‘

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 03:04 PM

Many thanks to Billy the Bus for the Peter Cape songs. "Taumaranui on the Main Trunk Line" is one of my favourites - and having ridden on the Limited back then I know exactly what he's singing about.

Turkish children's song, "The Train's Coming". There are probably many more.

Tren Gelir

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: rich-joy
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 05:54 PM

ORE TRAIN BLUES
© BOB WILSON 2013


V.1   He got a job way out west carting iron ore
From the outback mines of the Pilbara to the West Australian shore
The hours were long, but the pay was good, but there wasn’t much to do
Except strum the ukulele and sing train songs with the crew.

CH.1
and they sang:
   Freight train, Graveyard train, Blow that Lonesome Whistle train
   The Indian Pacific and the Abalinga Mail
   Night train, Morning train
   Roll in m’Baby’s Arms train
   Picking up the tempo with the rattling of the rails.


V.2   Now the bosses and the union called a meeting in the yard
They had heard about this trio with the engineer and guard
“It’s workplace health and safety, it’s like talking on your phone.”
But he knew it wasn’t the music, they just didn’t like the tone.

CH.2
and they sang:
   Ghost train, Poison train, not bound for glory, This train
   And they all sang la la la la, when They Drove Old Dixie Down
   Bridal train, Salvation train, Get on Board Little Children train
   He could have been the King of the Road but he never got the crown.


V.3 The boss bought high-tech robots from Korea and Japan
And the maiden hands-free journey went pretty much to plan
They said: “It’s a boring job, we’ll find you something else to do.”
Now he’s in a control room, sharing train songs with the crew.

CH.3
and they sang:
   Freight train, Graveyard train, Blow that Lonesome Whistle train
   The Indian Pacific and the Abalinga Mail
   Night train, Morning train
   Roll in m’Baby’s Arms train
   Picking up the tempo with the rattling of the rails.


CH.4
and they sang:
   Mail train, Slow train, Desper-ados Waiting for a Train
   Homeward Bound, John Henry, Engine Engine Number Nine
   Peace train, Freedom train, Robert Johnston’s Love in Vain
   And they all sang like Dylan: well, I'm walkin' down the line
   And they all sang like Dylan: well, I'm walkin' down the line.



For all you lovers of Train Songs - another from Bob & Laurel Wilson (aka The Goodwills) and a great one to try and sing along, esp with the 4 chorus variations!!

You'll find it here :
https://www.thegoodwills.com/store/music-by-the-goodwills/the-last-waterhole/
on their latest CD "The Last Waterhole".


Cheers, R-J

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: keberoxu
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 06:28 PM

Looks like a double-post a little ways back there.

I love me a good train song, whether it's
Mystery Train
or
the Wabash Cannonball.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 06:39 PM

The Train Kept a Rollin' first made famous by the Johnny Burnette Rock 'n Roll Trio, and later the Yardbirds.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Oct 20 - 01:35 AM

Bill Mason (Article originally published: Inside Bluegrass, January 2008)

Roy Harvey (?-1958), a member of the North Carolina Ramblers, probably learned it when he worked as a railroad engineer before he started a musical career. He recorded it in 1927. This version, from 1929, was also recorded by the NC Ramblers, this time with Charlie Poole (1892-1931) singing.

Complete Lyrics: [Spoken introduction: (whistle)
Roy Harvey: Mmm – that man sure does blow a wicked whistle, don’t he? Sounds like that old feller that used to run on the Southern, between Monroe and Spencer. Pulled that Crescent Limited. What was his name, Charlie?
Charlie Poole: Oh, you thinking about Bill Mason.
R: O, yeah. Whatever become of him?
C: Well, he got married here awhile back.
R: O, married! I thought he was sick, that’s what’s the matter with him, I thought.
C: Murdered near ‘bout it, but then he got married here awhile back and we made up a song on him.
R: Let’s play it then.
C: Alright.]

1. Bill Mason was an engineer, he’d been on the road all his life;
I’ll never forget the morning he married him a chunk of a wife;
Bill hadn’t been married more’n an hour, ‘til up came a message from Kress,
And ordered Bill to come down and bring out the night express.

2. While Maggie set by the window, a-waiting for the night express,
And if she hadn’t-a done so, she’d-a been a widow, I guess;
There were some drunken rascals that came down by the ridge,
They came down by the railroad and tore off a rail from the bridge.

3. Well, Maggie heard them working, “I guess there’s something wrong.”
In less than fifteen minutes, Bill’s train would be along.
She couldn’t come near to tell him ¾ a mile, it wouldn’t have done;
She just grabbed up the lantern and made for the bridge alone.

4. By Jove, Bill saw the signal, and stopped the night express.
He found his Maggie crying on the track in her wedding dress;
A-crying and laughing with joy, still holding onto the light.
He come ‘round the curve a-flying, Bill Mason’s on time tonight.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,Kathy in Wisconsin
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 10:19 AM

Delighted to see this thread reactivate itself. It’s been fun reading the replies, even if they weren’t specific to my question.

Meanwhile, I think we figured out the answer: ‘Bloodline’ by Glenn Campbell. The line our listener remembered was actually ‘It was something of wonder, that steel-plated thunder’. Here are the full lyrics.

BLOODLINE (Glenn Campbell)

In the eyes of the old ones
Who watched from a distance
It was a devilish magic at best
But the hearts of the children
Were filled with excitement
As they dreamed of their house in the West
Oh the engine would fire the black smoke would rise
Thru the spray of the slick silver steam
It was something of wonder that steel plated thunder
That moved the American dream
That moved the American dream
I can hear the sleepy whistle blowin'
I can see the spark beneath the wheels
As the leaves the hills behind her
For the ragged cotton fields
In a dusty one-house station
All the children grow impatient
As they stare into the distance for a sign
Here she comes can't you hear her whistle whine
Here she comes rollin' in my bloodline
Running' in my bloodline
Old man Grady waves his lantern
"All on board" I hear him cry
While Lucius stokes the cinder
And wipes the coal dust from his eyes
Yes she was prowd and full of fire
As she road that silver wire
>From the Kansas Plains to the great Sierra Pine
Here she comes can't you hear the whistle whine
Here she comes rollin' in right on time
I can feel her she's runnin' in my bloodline
Runnin' in my bloodline
Here she comes
Now the stockyards are empty
The steel rails are rusted
They belong to the wind and the sand
But we long will remember
The steel and the timber
And the pulse that once beat thru this land
Oh the engine would fire the black smoke would rise
Thru the spray of the slick silver steam
It was something of wonder that steel plated thunder
That moved the American dream
That moved the American dream
The American dream
Dream ...

Thanks for being out there, Mudcatters. Carry on!

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 10:44 AM

Het boemeltje van Purmerend

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 01:20 PM

Sergeant Small

I went broke in western Queensland in Nineteen Thirty One
Nobody would employ me and my swag carrying days begun
I started out through Charleville and all the western towns
I was on me way to Roma destination Darling Downs
Me pants was getting ragged and me boots was a-getting thin
And as I came into Mitchell the goods train shunted in
I could hear her whistle blowing it was mighty plain to see
She was on her way to Roma or so it seemed to me

Chorus:
I wish I was about twenty stone and only seven feet tall
I’d go back to western Queensland and beat up Sergeant Small

Traditional arranged by Andy Irvine; “Sergeant Small” is an Australian song which tells the story of an unemployed man who rides freight trains in his search for work during the Great Depression in the 1930s but gets trapped by Sergeant Small, a policeman masquerading as a hobo.

This song is an amalgamation from two sources put together by Brad Tate: the recording made by Tex Morton in the 1940s and the poem written by Terry Boylan in the 1970s. Irvine first heard it sung by Seamus Gill of Canberra, a Donegal man who has lived most of his life in Australia.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,BlackAcornUK
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 01:36 PM

A bit far-out from many of the other suggestions, perhaps, but there was an excellent LP in the late 90s that melded dust-bowl roots with gentle instrumental avant-rock - 'Train Songs' by Two Dollar Guitar. Features Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley on drums.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,BlackAcornUK
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 01:37 PM

Oops, meant to click the 'link-maker', and hit 'submit' instead - here's the whole LP, on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/Dwpi4c1Mlrg

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 06 Oct 20 - 01:52 PM

In the Sidings by Cyril Tawney, 1963.

The pin-stripe boys have had their say,
A line must go if it doesn’t pay.
But I’m too old to move away,
I'm in the sidings now.

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Jun 21 - 07:48 AM

https://reelear.com/sounds-like-a-train/ is a blog to promote an ear-training app, but it has sound files of Rev. Dan Smith playing a harmonica throw down simply called – The Train; Bukka White’s Special Streamline; Train 45, from the Log Cabin Boys; Chuck Berry’s, Down Bound Train

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Felipa
Date: 03 Jun 21 - 07:50 AM

https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=19614 = Reuben's Train

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Jun 21 - 10:04 AM

India has by far the biggest railway system in the world. They must have train songs. Who knows about them?

Subject: RE: Train Songs
From: gillymor
Date: 03 Jun 21 - 10:51 AM

The only one I know of is New Dehli Freight Train, written by Texan Terry Allen and covered here by Little Feat. John Starling also covered it.