About the song
There’s something undeniably magical about a train ride. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels against the tracks, the ever-changing landscape outside the window, and the sense of adventure that comes with traveling to new places. It’s a feeling that many of us have experienced, and one that The Highwaymen captured perfectly in their iconic song, “City of New Orleans”.
Released in 1982 as part of their self-titled debut album, this country classic has become a beloved anthem for travelers and music lovers alike. The song paints a vivid picture of a leisurely journey down the Mississippi River aboard the City of New Orleans train. With its evocative lyrics and soulful melodies, it’s easy to understand why this song has stood the test of time.
The Highwaymen, a supergroup consisting of country music legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, brought their unique blend of experience and talent to this recording. Each member’s distinctive voice and style contribute to the song’s rich tapestry of sound. Cash’s deep, resonant baritone anchors the track, while Nelson’s twangy guitar and harmonica solos add a touch of country flair. Jennings’s gritty vocals and Kristofferson’s poetic lyrics further enhance the song’s emotional depth.
The song’s narrative follows a traveler as they board the train in Chicago and make their way to the Big Easy. Along the way, the passenger encounters a variety of characters and experiences, from a friendly conductor to a late-night poker game. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust, as the traveler reflects on the past and looks forward to the future.
“City of New Orleans” is more than just a song about a train ride; it’s a celebration of the American road trip and the spirit of adventure. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of travel, friendship, and the passage of time. It’s a reminder that even as the world changes, some things remain constant: the beauty of the natural world, the power of human connection, and the thrill of the open road.
Video
Lyrics
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday mornin’ rail
15 cars and 15 restless riders
Three conductors, 25 sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms & fields
Passin’ graves that have no name, freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of rusted automobiles
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Dealin’ cards with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keepin’ score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
And feel the wheels grumblin’ neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters & the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep, rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Night time on the City of New Orleans
Changin’ cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by mornin’
Through the Mississippi darkness rollin’ down to the sea
But all the towns & people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his song again
“The passengers will please refrain,
This train has got the disappearin’ railroad blues
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done