The first one that comes to mind. Arlow Guthrie, City of New Orleans. Something we sang when real young Big Rock Candy Mountain. I added it to the list because of the hobo. Ozzy Osbourne, Crazy Train. Blackfoot, Train Train.
I know there's more but I'm having brain cramp now.
Pete.
John posted City of New Orleans in another thread earlier today but it's a great song so I'll post it again here.
There ya go Pete.
https://youtu.be/fF1lqEQFVUo
TF
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Gordon Good one Brent
I heard this one on Spotify last weekend and had never heard it before. I thought it was Paul Simon but it wasn't.
https://youtu.be/lvJpgn7fVGY
Here's the Big Rock Candy Mountain. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JqowmHgxVJQ
From the movie, Oh Brother Where Art Thou. Man of constant sorrow.
Dixie Flyer by Randy Newman is excellent.
It is on his 1988 album Land Of Dreams.
It is worth finding.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I loved this 65 years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYKbCN-zWjs
Conjunction Junction by Bob Dorough?
Trains Make Me Lonesome by George Strait?
Rock Island Line by Lonnie Dunegan?
Blue Train by John Coltrane? (Instrumental Jazz)
Midnight Train To Georgia by Gladys Knight And The Pips?
Casey Junior from the Dumbo soundtrack?
Train #10 by Tim McGraw?
New Train by John Prine?
Gone Dead Train by George Thorogood?
16 Wheels by Spot 1019?
Peace Train by Cat Stevens?
Train Of Love by Johnny Cash?
Downbound Train by Bruce Springsteen?
Charlie On The M.T.A. by The Kingston Trio?
On The Atchison Topeka And The Santa Fe by Johnny Mercer?
The Train Song (Gonna Love You Like A Freight Train) by Deanna Carter?
You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allen Coe?
Good morning
SeeYou190 Dixie Flyer by Randy Newman is excellent. It is worth finding.
Enzoamps I loved this 65 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYKbCN-zWjs
There ya go.
Wreck of the old 97-quite a few I believe recorded it. It is only natural to say this as I call Danville, VA home. The line was rerouted later but one of our club members at the Danville Model Railroad Club has a part of the old right of way a few miles north of where the wreck happened in his backyard- Has found Link and pins etc.
Have a copy of this poster for it hanging at my office at church
wrench567 Here's the Big Rock Candy Mountain. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JqowmHgxVJQ From the movie, Oh Brother Where Art Thou. Man of constant sorrow. Pete.
There they are.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JqowmHgxVJQ
https://youtu.be/9d2aBkiwXwg
drgwcs Wreck of the old 97-quite a few I believe recorded it. It is only natural to say this as I call Danville, VA home. The line was rerouted later but one of our club members at the Danville Model Railroad Club has a part of the old right of way a few miles north of where the wreck happened in his backyard- Has found Link and pins etc. Have a copy of this poster for it hanging at my office at church
Really like the guitar in that song at the end of some great history on this link for ya.
https://youtu.be/6ggBWk-Q_NY
Heres a nutter won.
https://youtu.be/PWfCbhr3Xls
There are all those Bukka White train songs, some of which use the evocative new sound of the A220 streamliner horn...
Tom Rush combined a few of these into this song (be prepared to forgive him for mistaking Washington for Chicago):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JFTjC4I-7PU
I remember first hearing that 'I'm a Train' song on the old Captain Kangaroo show. I was horrified at it then, and I find I still am:
Look at me for the very last time/Been a life that's long and hard/Going down to the breaker's yard...
Johnny Cash: I've got a thing about trains - YouTube
This one struck a chord with me because it was recorded a few years before Amtrak was formed saving long distance train travel in the US. It really did look like it might disappear from the scene.
Track fiddler John posted City of New Orleans in another thread earlier today but it's a great song so I'll post it again here. There ya go Pete. https://youtu.be/fF1lqEQFVUo TF
Here is the City of New Orleans by the composer Steve Goodman.
Steve Goodman - City Of New Orleans - YouTube
There is an interesting back story to this. Goodman pitched his song to Arlo Guthrie and bought him a beer to get him to listen to the song. Guthrie told him he had until he finished the beer to sell him on the song. Guthrie liked the song but he and Goodman reworked the original lyrics into the form that is now well known. I once saw the original lyrics and they were a bit different but I can't locate them online now.
Sadly, Steve Goodman was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just 20 years old. He survived another 16 years before succumbing to the disease but not before he left his mark on the music scene with what I think is the greatest train song of all.
UPDATE: I just found this video in which Steve Goodman's contemporaries remember him. Arlo Guthrie tells the story of Goodman buying him a beer to pitch him the song.
John, Arlo, Kris And Others Discuss Steve Goodman - YouTube
Here we go Runaway Train by Soul Asylum,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRtvqT_wMeY
And Runway Train Movie Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWef2BhqvBk
It's interesting that "Big Rock Candy Mountain" became thought of as a children's song, given it's history (particularly it's earliest versions)....
Nebraska66 must really love Union Pacific's restored 4014.
(can't seem to embed the video)
ROLL ON BIG BOY
Does the Locomotion count as a railroad song?:
What about a piece of symphonic music? In 1923, Swiss-French composer Arthur Honegger wrote "Pacific 231" (most European countries count axles, not wheels; thus 231 would be 462 here), with the music reflecting the run of a steam locomotive. In 1949, French film-maker Jean Mitry added pictures to the music (today we would call this a "video"). It is really worth watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKRCJhLU7rs
You Never Even Called Me By My Name big hit by David Allen Coe -
This also written by Steve Goodman (with some help from John Prine).
I listen to these guys alot still to this day.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL You Never Even Called Me By My Name big hit by David Allen Coe - This also written by Steve Goodman (with some help from John Prine). I listen to these guys alot still to this day. Sheldon
I'm a fan of John Prine too. I always liked his offbeat style. I've left instructions for his song Please Don't Bury Me to be played at my funeral.
john prine please don't bury me - - Video Search Results (yahoo.com)
Another great train song not yet mentioned is The Wabash Cannonball. Dizzy Dean used to sing this during baseball telecasts when the game had become boring.
Wabash Cannonball Dizzy Dean with Lyrics - YouTube
No train song list is complete without The Orange Blossom Special.
Johnny Cash - Orange Blossom Special - Live at San Quentin (Good Sound Quality) - YouTube
My favourite is Bob Dylan's "It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry".
The rhythm, to me, at least, is reminicent of the sway of a coach, and the beat is like the clickety-clack of steel wheels over rail joints.
It's probably not all that verbally connected to trains, but that song is in my head for all the few long-distance trains I've ridden.
Wayne
maxmanDoes the Locomotion count as a railroad song?:
Only if Kylie Minogue is singing it.
What a perfect 1980s video.
I thought I would add some content that is local to me at least...
The late Slim Dusty (David Kirkpatrick) was by far the best known Country artist in Australia,and I think he was a contemporary of Hank Williams, although he had quite a long life.
Here are two songs:
Indian Pacific https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKBlyvZD-jg
Losing my Blues Tonight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11LYQm421sI
The second song might need some explanation:
The "38" was a 4-6-2 which worked many trains out of Sydney, including to the north as indicated in the song. Slim Dusty was born in the Northern Tablelands area and would think of that area as home. The 38 class were all painted green from 1946 until 1955, when they were repainted black but with red lining.
The Indian Pacific song was written by Slim Dusty's wife Joy McKean who is dressed in black in the video of Losing My Blues Tonight.
Peter
It occured to me that many of you wouldn't have seen the Indian Pacific.
Here is a version both with lyrics and video of the train, pretty much as it runs now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znQVvkc3vgQ
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
A lot of Train songs to catch up with over coffee this morning. I'll get the brew going
Enjoyed the songs and videos posted here this morning. Thanks for posting the Great Train Tunes
No better than the Grand Funk Railroad version of The Locomotion Maxman.
https://youtu.be/V4jQYNTREXc
Here's Runaway Train Metrolinkfan.
https://youtu.be/XXNt2X889j0
I remember "You never even called me by my name" Sheldon. It was back in the days we used to go to our lake cabin in McGregor and all the top country songs gelled around that time.
https://youtu.be/vAOVRkSCWmg
Bob Dylan was a Northern Minnesota boy. There's three Bob Dylan manhole covers we went and found in the streets of Duluth. Heres the studio version Wayne, much better sound than the live version.
https://youtu.be/SN1ACh8lzHg
I'll be back, searching for more links for some of you missing links.....Pun intended? ...
Not really a train song but Kenny Rogers' The Gambler did take place on a train.
On a warm summer's evening
on a train bound for nowhere
The Gambler not really a train song???
It is now
Gotcha Covered John. Unfortunately so do the credits but this little Steamer going across the countryside is worth a look.
https://youtu.be/PKVhz2X3URQ
SeeYou190 maxman Does the Locomotion count as a railroad song?: Only if Kylie Minogue is singing it. What a perfect 1980s video. -Kevin
maxman
The Monkey and the Engineer by Jesse Fuller.
Popular version by the Grateful Dead
Good evening
Ablebakercharlie The Monkey and the Engineer by Jesse Fuller. Popular version by the Grateful Dead
Night Train by Guns-N-Roses?
Utah Phillips: "Good Though" (full album). Play them all:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kNcKmVonjzGXJsGh2TXb8jWFI9H-l7MaQ
Train by Van Zant?
Off of the 2007 album My Kind Of Country.
Good night
Bear, sure liked the video you posted. English Electric reminds me alot of the band Yes. I seen the factory in England that was used on PF's Animals album cover. Always wondered what that building was for but not anymore.
The Mallard sure is/was one impressive locomotive as seen in your video. Stemed from the big wigs with the engineer's designs, to the huge fabrication shops and all the machinists craftsmanship having a part in making her what she was. A magnificent locomotive indeed.
Never knew there was a Indian Pacific in Australia Peter. Liked the Train and the video for sure.
Here's one OldEngineman.
Utah Phillips
https://youtu.be/8KJ2GFCM4Q8
Had lots of fun at the Guns and Roses concerts back in the day Kevin.
Van Zant
https://youtu.be/7FXqEQVizx4
One of my favorite Train Songs leaning towards a more rowdy flavor has been Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train as there is many versions of this song.
Sophie Lloyd was obsessed with rock music and guitars since she was a little girl growing up in the UK. She does a version of Ozzy's Crazy Train as an instrumental on the guitar. She plays the thing like it's a toy.
Ain't she sweet...Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/V_KGKF7l5lg
Thanks for your participation making it a fun thread
The Blue Train by Linda Ronstadt?
From her 1995 album Feels Like Home.
Louis Jordan - "Texas & Pacific"
Louis Jordan - "Choo Choo Ch'boogie"
Kingston Trio - "Fast Freight"
Kingston Trio - "To Morrow"
Fountains of Wayne - "Acela"
Frank Sinatra - "I Thought About You"
Doris Day - "Sentimental Journey"
Life is like a mountain railroad. A staple in the bluegrass and southern gospel venues
Speaking of John Prine, how about Paradise? Mr. Peabody's Coal Train has hauled it away. I have a Peabody coal hopper on my layout to remind me of this song.
Track fiddler The Gambler not really a train song??? It is now Gotcha Covered John. Unfortunately so do the credits but this little Steamer going across the countryside is worth a look. https://youtu.be/PKVhz2X3URQ TF
The first of the Gambler movies made in 1980 had lots of train scenes including the climactic poker game which was played on a private train car. I think Kenny Rogers made a total of four made-for-TV Gambler movies. I only remember seeing the first one but I'm betting trains played a big part in all of them.
I don't think anyone mentioned the Love Train by the O'Jays
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BlkTSKqE_8
Drug Train by The Cramps?
Hey people I'll tell you how to get on board
You put one foot on
You put another foot on
If you can put another foot on
Then you are on board
Probably not.
Good evening.
Linda Ronstadt certainly kept that girl next door look her whole career Kevin.
https://youtu.be/B-i75a2l4q0
Another English Electric I liked. Haven't bought music in near 20 years Bear. I may have to pick up a few copies. I'd have to describe their music as classy with a well-defined pulse. In other words, my kind of listening.
I found this one spe3376. A fan of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett, I'd have to say I do like big band music.
https://youtu.be/tA6Gr28Hntg
Here's one I found ndborr. A little known fact, Kenny Rogers a gospel singer early in his career
https://youtu.be/JbBPJrZ-7zQ
Here you go Pantherphil, I got the original John and Johnny does that one as well.
John Prine Paradise
https://youtu.be/DEy6EuZp9IY
Johnny Cash's version
https://youtu.be/_RigGigPq4U
I didn't know Kenny Rogers did four Gambler movies John. I've only seen two, in fact I caught one in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep a few nights ago.
Well Kevin, I checked out Drug Train by the Cramps. I'm checking to see if Beavis and Butt-head have a train song to post along with that one as well
You're a Card man
Enjoyed the songs, Thanks for the posts gentleman.
Riding On A Train by Odyssey?
This song is terrible. I have never made it all the way through. If you can, you have more determination than I do.
Never a fan of records skipping. Wasn't too big on Atari Night Driver either
https://youtu.be/epOf2RLqLdw
This one is a little of a stretch, but it is a wonderful tune.
Corey's Coming by Harry Chapin.
From the 1976 album On The Road To Kingdom Come.
Track fiddlerWell Kevin, I checked out Drug Train by the Cramps.
Well, since you opened that door, check out Georgia Lee Brown by The Cramps. That is excellent.
Also, their version of Peter Gunn is definitely worth a listen. You can really appreciate Poison Ivy's unique mastery of the Gretsch on that track.
I touched that guitar. It is on display at the Museum Of Pop Culture in Seattle.
Does this one count?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_3vZYOYNYU
They certainly used the theme in the video...
I didn't know Sheena Easton had a Train video Peter. Goes to show more people like Trains than meets the eye.
Here's the Cramps Kevin.
https://youtu.be/zW2RpUQURF4
Track fiddler I didn't know Kenny Rogers did four Gambler movies John. I've only seen two, in fact I caught one in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep a few nights ago.
Were you too tired too sleep?
Actually, I missed one. He made five Gambler movies. The original in 1980 followed by sequels in 1983, 1987, 1991, and 1994.
Here is his IMDB page:
Kenny Rogers - IMDb
I see he also played a gambler in a guest star role on Burt Reynolds' Evening Shade series. That wasn't a bad show but I never became a regular viewer so I missed that one.
Expanding on the train theme just a bit...
How many old songs might there be that reference trains, that most people mght not understand in today's world.
One example is Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry. It contains these lyrics:
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
And sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
The engineer would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming to the rythm that the drivers made
I wonder how many people know that a steam locomotive operated in 4/4 cadence. I have read a music history that suggested that popular music used to be presented in 3/4 or 6/8 timing, but when steam locomotives became prevelent and powerful (noisy) in America, our instinct for music was reprogrammed to match the locomotive rythm. He then stated that if it were not for steam locomotives, we might not have Rock-And-Roll.
That is a cute theory, but I put it up there with the nonsense that horse's butt-width forced the design of shuttle boosters.
Anyway... any more hidden train lyrics in popular songs?
Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues.
York1 John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAI6wjXEV6g
John Denver
(goodness, how could you all forget I've Been Working On The Railroad"?
One after 9 0 9 Beatles
Long train running Doobie Brothers
Now that we are really getting into it - (unless someone already mentioned this one)
John Henry Steel Driving Man
I'll say that I am not really a Bruce Springsteen fan but he put out an album called "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" which does a cover of this song and the whole album I think is fantastic.
- charles
This isn't a song, just an instrumental piece.
It was often played on radio during the 1950s and became a theme tune for a BBC TV series.
Coronation Scot ~ The Paul Temple Theme - YouTube
The train only ran from 1937 until 1939. The original train was blue but a newer red train was built, and sent to the USA for the New York World's Fair in 1939.
The video shows a poster with a blue train with electric headlight. Only the loco that went to the USA, which was red, carried the electric headlight.
Here is the railfan version of the above.
The aerial shots are of the inaugural run, where the train reached 114 mph (the second fastest steam train in the UK and maybe third in the world)
Coronation Scot - YouTube
I looked through this thread and did not see Chattanooga Choo Choo, my favorite version is by Glenn Miller and his orchestra.
We can't leave that one out. Sorry if I missed it.
Busy weekend. Thanks for the Kenny Rogers link John. I've always liked Burt Reynolds movies as well and will have to see if I have that series I never knew about on Amazon internet TV.
Who could forget about Chuck Berry Kevin? I must admit I did until you mentioned it. That is certainly one of the all-time greats and a great pick. They say that song was one of the greater influences of a newer sound to rock and roll.
https://youtu.be/CDOWpnBv6cY
I'm getting the look from the misses to go to the grocery store and will have to find the missing links and finish my post later
How about two TV series with railroad theme songs.
The 1950s series Casey Jones starring Alan Hale Jr. in the title role, years before he gained greater fame as the Skipper on Gilligan's Island. I was surprised to see that series is available on DVD given that it only ran for 32 episodes. I was very young when it ran and don't remember much about it other than the theme song.
Casey Jones 1957 - 1958 Opening and Closing Theme - Bing video
The other is Petticoat Junction. Great footage of an old time steamer in both the black and white and color versions of the opening.
Petticoat Junction Theme Song - YouTube
I don't think I ever watched a full episode. Wasn't it a spin-off from The Beverly Hillibillies which I did watch? My fuzzy memory tells me the central characther of Petticoat Junction was Jed Clampett's cousin who appeared on several episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies.
Not the sort of train or train song much thought of here but a train song nevertheless....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0&list=PLxdTjVOb7zasCHLdgHd65TSmw8w_7U4My&index=49
this was very popular in the early 1960s...
M636C Not the sort of train or train song much thought of here but a train song nevertheless.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Jw_v3F_Q0&list=PLxdTjVOb7zasCHLdgHd65TSmw8w_7U4My&index=49 this was very popular in the early 1960s... Peter
I never did think of that as a train song but of course it is one and one of the all time greats. Nice to see a video of the original three members of the Kingston Trio. Over the years, the cast changed often. I think there is still a Kingston Trio but of course none of the early members are part of it. I believe they are all dead.
Come ride a little Train that is rolling down the tracks at the junction.
Forget about your cares it is time to relax at the junction.
Lots of Curves you bet, even more when you get to the junction.
Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island was the little boys lovely as the girl next door. At least she was in my book as Ginger too proud of herself always gloating didn't even count.
And the three sisters dipping in the Water Tower on Petticoat Junction.
Need I say anymore?
OK, I am just going to put it out there.
The entirety of The Starlight Express by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
They are all train songs, every single one.
I saw this show about 25 years ago. Pretty girls roller skating around pretending to be freight trains only gets you so far.
Just about every song in this disaster I find quite annoying.
"Oooh-oooh Nobody Can Do It Like A Steam Train"
Track fiddler Come ride a little Train that is rolling down the tracks at the junction. Forget about your cares it is time to relax at the junction. Lots of Curves you bet, even more when you get to the junction. Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island was the little boys lovely as the girl next door. At least she was in my book as Ginger too proud of herself always gloating didn't even count. And the three sisters dipping in the Water Tower on Petticoat Junction. Need I say anymore? TF
I just noticed something about the train in the opening of Petticoat Junction. It has one car, a single old time combine. It looks very similar in both style and color to a Gorre and Daphetid combine issued by Roundhouse some time in the 1980s. Roundhouse issued a series of freight and passenger cars lettered for the G&D. I have four of those cars, a boxcar, stock car, coach, and combine. The combine is almost a dead ringer for the one in the Petticoat Junction train. I'm wondering if they used that as the basis for their two passenger cars. The two freight cars look to be generic and not modeled after any of John Allen's cars and I don't recall his passenger cars painted in the green scheme.
OK, going to stretch it a bit again...
In 1986 there was a country album released titled Killbilly Hill that contains an absolutely awful version of Pink Cadillac. It is just horrendous to listen to.
I know Pink Cadillac is not a train song...
but...
wait for it...
the name of the band is SOUTHERN PACIFIC!
What do you think, does this count?
John-NYBWHow about two TV series with railroad theme songs.
Wouldn't we then need to include the theme from NBC's Supertrain?
Although I must admit, I have no idea what it sounded like.
CASEY JONES - Grateful Dead
HELLBOUND TRAIN - Savoy Brown
I didn't see a link to this song earlier in the thread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb2w2m1JmCY
Not only is this a song about a train, but the video was filmed in a pretty complex mock up of a streamliner pullman section car, complete with passing scenery. The closing clip is of the "City of Los Angeles" but the locomotive at the start is a UP locomotive, not one of the joint "City" locomotives.
But a well produced sequence. I feel it may have been in a contemporary movie to go to so much trouble. Good to see Duke Ellington at work.
SeeYou190 John-NYBW How about two TV series with railroad theme songs. Wouldn't we then need to include the theme from NBC's Supertrain? Although I must admit, I have no idea what it sounded like. -Kevin
John-NYBW How about two TV series with railroad theme songs.
I only watched the first episode so I don't know what the theme song sounded like. The same year that show ran, another train themed series was tried. Time Express was about a time traveling train and starred Vincent Price. Both shows bombed. Supertrain lasted 9 episodes and Time Express only lasted 4. Not long enough for their theme songs to get ingrained in anybody's head.
John-NYBWI only watched the first episode so I don't know what the theme song sounded like.
Same here.
That show was awful.
The only thing I remember was noticing the track gauge was super-wide when running through the desert, but switched back to 4'-8-1/2" when the train pulled into the station.
And then there is the Conjunction Junction song from Schoolhouse Rock!
Anyone remember that one?
charles
SeeYou190 OK, I am just going to put it out there. The entirety of The Starlight Express by Andrew Lloyd Webber. They are all train songs, every single one. I saw this show about 25 years ago. Pretty girls roller skating around pretending to be freight trains only gets you so far. Just about every song in this disaster I find quite annoying. "Oooh-oooh Nobody Can Do It Like A Steam Train" -Kevin
I saw the show in London in 1996. A freind wanted to see "Cats" but that was booked out, so we went to "Starlight Express" instead. I'm not sure that women pretending to be cats would have been better than women pretending to be trains, but I didn't have really high expectations from the start.
A lot of work went into the production. there were roller skate tracks down each side of the theatre and even across the back so the audience were literally in the middle of the action. The songs were as expected, and familiar from radio and TV.
I'm not a big Andrew Lloyd Webber fan but I didn't feel ripped off.
I was in London on business in a hotel in Oxford St, so we could walk to the theatre, and the change of theatre wasn't a problem.
But overall I thought the show was worth seeing.
In Australia, the name "Starlight Express" has been used for a children's charity for children with cancer, and an XPT power car carries "Starlight Express" lettering on the nose and special logos on the side.
M636CBut overall I thought the show was worth seeing.
The same as my experience with "Cats", the songs performed live in the theater were better than the songs on the cast recording.
Give a listen to the cast recording to Starlight Express, and all the electronic manipulation (1980s style) they did the the voices. I think you would agree that the cast recording is awful. The worst is the song AC/DC.
And, the song "Rap" is just 100% unforgiveable. Andrew Lloyd Webber trying to do hip-hop is astounding in what a bad idea it was.
"Navisky", about an accursed siding, is popular among some of my operating friends. One of them named a new siding "Navisky" when he added it to his model railroad.
https://youtu.be/uqAdS5wq-Os
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
Not sure if it has been mentioned, one of the best is Casey Jones by the Grateful Dead.
Mike
LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - Jethro Tull
ghosts of the rails by james coffee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbnGRgzMpy8
Railroad Song by Jim Croce
(43) Railroad Song Jim Croce with Lyrics - YouTube
That song is from the 1979 posthumous release The Faces I've Been. That album also contains the excellent song Railroads And Riverboats.
SeeYou190 John-NYBW I only watched the first episode so I don't know what the theme song sounded like. . Same here. That show was awful. The only thing I remember was noticing the track gauge was super-wide when running through the desert, but switched back to 4'-8-1/2" when the train pulled into the station. -Kevin
John-NYBW I only watched the first episode so I don't know what the theme song sounded like.
.
I don't even remember it well enough to know it was awful but it must have been since I only watched the first episode. I had just gotten back into model railroading a few years before that so I really wanted to like it. It must have been a disappointment.
I think Model Railroader did a story about the models used for that show. Looks like they sunk a lot of dough into it for little reward.
After the show Supertrain was cancelled, there was an ad in Model Railroader offering the models for sale.
I wonder if anyone who read the magazine purchased them.
John-NYBW How about two TV series with railroad theme songs. The 1950s series Casey Jones starring Alan Hale Jr. in the title role, years before he gained greater fame as the Skipper on Gilligan's Island. I was surprised to see that series is available on DVD given that it only ran for 32 episodes. I was very young when it ran and don't remember much about it other than the theme song. Casey Jones 1957 - 1958 Opening and Closing Theme - Bing video The other is Petticoat Junction. Great footage of an old time steamer in both the black and white and color versions of the opening. Petticoat Junction Theme Song - YouTube I don't think I ever watched a full episode. Wasn't it a spin-off from The Beverly Hillibillies which I did watch? My fuzzy memory tells me the central characther of Petticoat Junction was Jed Clampett's cousin who appeared on several episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies.
I was scrolling through YouTube and discovered somebody has uploaded at least some of the Casey Jones episodes. The story line is preposterous and to say they have taken some historical liberties would be an understatement but there is lots of interesting footage of a pair of really old time trains.
CASEY JONES - NIGHT MAIL - Episode One - Bing video
I found the ad from Model Railroader where Supertrain was offered for sale.
Interesting that the advertisement includes the AHM logo.
My father had this album, and this song still cracks me up.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I remembered Stan Freberg as a Mad Man, aka advertising executive. I didn't realize until I looked it up on Wiki that he was so involved in the entertainment business as well. I remember mainly seeing him on talk shows.
Has anyone mentioned New Train by John Prine?
How about...
Mr. Tinkertrain by Ozzy Osbourne?
Got another one...
My Baby Thinks He's A Train by Roseanne Cash
From the 1981 album Seven Year Ache.
Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
While not really a song, it is a poem with music..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_4r_YymgSI
There are modifed versions with updated music (and higher res video)...
Dianne and I saw Gordon Lightfoot in concert on Saturday night. He put on a pretty good show considering that he is 84 years old! Alas he didn't do any railroad songs, but he was well worth the price of admission.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I was watching Gutfeld a few nights ago and learned the Rolling Stones just celebrated their 60th year together as a band. Of course it's only Mick Jagger and Keith Richards left from the original band after the recent death of Charlie Watts.
I've been to two rock concerts in my life and both of those were to see the Stones. The first was the spring of 1966 in Omaha. I think the admission was $5 and they didn't even sell out the Civic Auditorium. This was shortly after the charting of Satisfaction which I believe is still their biggest single. I can't remember the exact year but it was about twenty years ago in Columbus, Oh. Bill Wyman had left the band a few years earlier so it was Jagger, Richards, and Watts from the original band plus Ron Wood. They had a back up musician as their bass player. I can't remember the admission price but I'm quite sure it was more the $5.
Scientists should study Keith Richards DNA to find out how he has managed to survive into his 80s. It might hold the secret to eternal life.
Correction. I just checked Wiki and both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are ONLY 78. The formed the band while still teenagers.
John-NYBWThe Rolling Stones just celebrated their 60th year together as a band.
The Rolling Stones had a song called Silver Train on their album Goats Head Soup.
The song is not about a train.
Maybe I missed it, but just in case no one else added these:
She Caught the Katy
Mean Old Frisco
Do these two songs together, and you have a "Texas Special Medley"!
Ya know,...Been a better host than I've been lately. Hopefully excused as something not so good came up for the better part of last week.
Always knew there were a lot of Train songs but didn't really have any idea there was this many.
Took a liking to TheRailFanningBoy videos found since the start of this thread. Not necessarily all the songs he uses are extraordinary or anyting but the good photo shoots of the old Steamers are cool to see.
Here's another one for ya.
https://youtu.be/zWjd0h5fymQ
Looks like some great stuff you all provided to catch up with gentleman. Looking forward to that after taking my daughter and her guy out for her birthday lunch.
Thanks again for all the participation here
Track fiddler Good morning Ya know,...Been a better host than I've been lately. Hopefully excused as something not so good came up for the better part of last week. Always knew there were a lot of Train songs but didn't really have any idea there was this many. Took a liking to TheRailFanningBoy videos found since the start of this thread. Not necessarily all the songs he uses are extraordinary or anyting but the good photo shoots of the old Steamers are cool to see. Here's another one for ya. https://youtu.be/zWjd0h5fymQ Looks like some great stuff you all provided to catch up with gentleman. Looking forward to that after taking my daughter and her guy out for her birthday lunch. Thanks again for all the participation here TF
That's some great footage of a variety of steamers. After it finished, YouTube brought up this video next.
Roll On Big Boy - YouTube
It contains footage for the restored 4014 Big Boy in lots of different settings and somebody composed a song about it called Roll on Big Boy. It contained a few shots of the 4014 rolling through some heavy snow. I don't think I'd ever seen pictures or videos of a Big Boy in a winter scene but it's beautiful to look at.
Great find as well John. Never seen that locomotive in the snow either. 4014 was a rememberable day when we seen her in St Paul.
Seen a video of 4014 when they had to negotiate a radius in Duluth and wish I had that to post. They had to creep that thing inch by inch around the curve because they were afraid it would jump the track.
My favorite picture that day.
Found Rosanne Cash with some Train photos Kevin.
https://youtu.be/HxzklJK5GpU
Here's The Silverton
https://youtu.be/2_8R3NNIae0
OK, I found a real gem for you.
I owned the album Sundown back in High School, and I loved it. It contains the wonderful song The Conductor Wore Black by Rank And File.
(51) Rank And File - "The Conductor Wore Black" - YouTube
The video clip is from a live performance from 1983 on Alan Thicke's talk show Thicke Of The Night. This made me long for a day when bands really performed live on these shows.
You just have to love a live performance where the lead singer plays bass.
Rank And File was one of the original CowPunk bands that came out of Austin, Texas in the early 1980s. Their music kind of sounds ho-hum for country today, but in 1982 this was shocking.
I remember when three of Rank And File's songs were used in the movie To Live And Die In L.A., suddenly everyone was a fan, for about ten minutes.
This is the studio version from the album Sundown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQgHyQc7_W4
I wish I would have seen these guys live back in my punk teens.
Liked that one Kevin. Those Rank & File Kids sure looked like they were having fun performing that.
Found this old Great Northern film that's like a ghost from the past.
1) The one who can identify the muffled music in the background gets the cookie.
2) Watch for the giant rabbit illusion to see if you can find it.
3) There will be a test at 1:00 O-clock so have your paper and pencil ready Kids
https://youtu.be/Ur7w7NsvzJ0
Here's some good Great Northern garden layout jazz with some Pullman's.
https://youtu.be/qDZb0cLeZZw
Thanks for your support.
Nice pics of 4014, TF. I was on hand for 4014's first public run out of Cheyenne in 2019. I took both still shots and video of that day. After seeing her depart Cheyenne, I drove ahead to see her arriving in Laramie. It was my first experience taking video with the new camera and most of my video was really bad but I got a nice clip of 4014 approaching Laramie. I watched from a bridge on the west side of Laramie as 4014 pulled out to continue her westward journey. I tried to follow it by car. US30 runs very close to the UP mainline but except for a short stretch, it's a two lane highway most of the way. I read later the line of cars trying to follow 4014 was 12 miles long. I can believe it since there were cars in front of me and behind me for as far as I could see. I just caught a glimpse of the tail of the train during the short stretch of four lane highway but quickly fell behind again and the train arrived in Medicine Bow before I could get there. I was going to follow it to the next stop but decided it wasn't worth the effort. After watching it leave Medicine Bow, I headed north to Yellowstone.
I'll post the pictures I took of 4014 when I locate my camera.
Correction: I mistakenly wrote I took video of 4014 approaching Denver. I meant to say Laramie. That initial run didn't take 4014 into Denver. I corrected that passage.
Track fiddlerLiked that one Kevin. Those Rank & File Kids sure looked like they were having fun performing that.
Glad you liked it.
Punk concerts in the 1980s were the most fun I have had in my life. The bands and fans always had a ton of fun, and the interactions with the audiences were always great.
If there was one day I could like over again it would be Thursday, 21/APR/1994, when I saw The Ramones in Orlando at The Edge. DeeDee had just left the band and was replaced by C.J. on bass. There was a new life in the band, and they really had a blast on stage that night. Joey was not terribly sick yet, but was a little weak. C.J. took lead vocals on a few songs. The crowd was 100% into the show, and everything was perfect.
CowPunk was a ton of fun to listen to, but I never had the chance to see Austin, Texas style punk at a live show.
Good afternoon
Yes, Those wild crazy concert & party days were a blast as they are remembered well Kevin, most of them anyway Certainly have some stories to tell as those days could be interesting sometimes as well.
Thanks for sharing about 4014 John. Had a simular experience when Union Pacific's Challenger came through Shakopee Minnesota. My brother and I chased that thing to get ahead of it again to take more pictures in Jamestown.
He worked for a photography studio back then and had some nice equipment. Have some great pictures around here somewhere but the videos and some other pictures were on a computer that crashed. Don't remember her road number right off hand.
Managed to hunt down that video of when they had to navigate 4014 through too tight of a curve in Duluth Minnesota. Of course we all know that locomotive was designed for drifting planes, negotiating anyting near hairpin radius, not so much
The video is a bit too long but maybe just scroll a little.
https://youtu.be/KAlK61l6yQI
Look forward to seeing your 4014 pictures when you find your camera later.
https://youtu.be/1-qRiEUXh90
Thanks
It was mention here before downbound train by Bruce springsteen.
That whole tape reminds me of my dad and when I was little. I think that album cam out in the early 80s. I can picture hot summer days when he would have that on in between blue jays games on the radio. Can still see the silver radio on the back deck and how the sun was in the sky during those days. He passed away in 2020 but when I think of Bruce Springsteen born in the USA album I always go back to those days.
sorry to go off topic.
Not at all Jeremy. Thanks for sharing as we like stories here. I could tell by your words your dad was a great guy and I'm sorry about your recent loss. I found a good video for you in honor of your Dad. I've always liked Bruce too.
Downbound Train by Bruce Springsteen
https://youtu.be/qY7r8y97UwM
Here's one on some Great Northern History some of you might like.
https://youtu.be/2BpAPrAyyFw
This is a fun rockin' country tune...
Southbound Train by Travis Tritt. It is a song about getting out to go to Florida to live the good life.
From the 2000 album Down The Road I Go.
SeeYou190 This is a fun rockin' country tune... Southbound Train by Travis Tritt.
Southbound Train by Travis Tritt.
Certainly is. Lots of instruments going on in that one. Right away noticed the crazy fiddler that reminds me of our late Charlie Daniels who is missed. I had to back up the tune a couple times to identify the instrument sounding like a train whistle that was a nice touch. Steel guitar also known as the Hawaiian guitar I do believe.
Travis Tritt
https://youtu.be/Py6VWRNEfkY
I ain't Siskel or Ebert but I'll give that one three thumbs up
York1 Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues.
Good Ol' Johnny
Thanks for posting.
Petticoat Junction
Track fiddler Good morning SeeYou190 This is a fun rockin' country tune... Southbound Train by Travis Tritt. Certainly is. Lots of instruments going on in that one. Right away noticed the crazy fiddler that reminds me of our late Charlie Daniels who missed. I had to back up the tune a couple times to identify the instrument sounding like a train whistle that was a nice touch. Steel guitar also known as the Hawaiian guitar I do believe. Travis Tritt https://youtu.be/Py6VWRNEfkY I ain't Siskel or Ebert but I'll give that one three thumbs up York1 Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues. Here's one found for John that must have been missed in my absence. https://youtu.be/rA8Vhg7VD1g Good Ol' Johnny Thanks for posting. TF
Certainly is. Lots of instruments going on in that one. Right away noticed the crazy fiddler that reminds me of our late Charlie Daniels who missed. I had to back up the tune a couple times to identify the instrument sounding like a train whistle that was a nice touch. Steel guitar also known as the Hawaiian guitar I do believe.
Very impressive. I didn't know 4014 had roamed that far south. I did notice two auxiliary water tenders. Must have been a long way between stops. I think I read that on the inaugural run, the UP had arranged for the fire department in Rawlins to refill their tenders, I'm assuming from fire hydrants.
I like the idea of using drone cameras. I wonder how long it take to become good at taking videos with it. One of the reasons my videos of 4014 aren't very good is because I didn't drive all that way to see the 4014 through a viewfinder. I'm always amazed at the people at sporting events or concerts who paid a lot of money for their tickets and then watch it through their camera phones.
Good morning.
Like the Petticoat Junction engineers picture Marlon. Wasn't one of their names Floyd if I recall correctly?
John-NYBW Track fiddler York1 Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues. Here's one found for John that must have been missed in my absence. https://youtu.be/rA8Vhg7VD1g Good Ol' Johnny Very impressive. I didn't know 4014 had roamed that far south. I like the idea of using drone cameras. I wonder how long it take to become good at taking videos with it.
Track fiddler
York1 Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues. Here's one found for John that must have been missed in my absence. https://youtu.be/rA8Vhg7VD1g Good Ol' Johnny
Very impressive. I didn't know 4014 had roamed that far south.
I like the idea of using drone cameras. I wonder how long it take to become good at taking videos with it.
P.S. I bet those water cars must have took a long time to fill out of the fire hydrant John. Yeah, people and their cell phones I leave mine at home when I'm not going to be gone long. I see people while driving in my truck walking down the sidewalk texting and walk right into a Street Lamp and I have to laugh
Saints Fan John must have missed that video posted for him... but I'm glad you liked it. The best Johnny Cash train video I've ever found and it just fell into my lap. It's kind of freaky how Google's robots learn what you like and present things to you
Those drones are incredible and I've been thinking about getting one for railfanning.
The neighbor kid next door at my buddy Erv's has one that was just over five hundred bucks. He boatfans Prior Lake watching people catch fish, water skiing and girls in bikinis of course His model has a zoom lens so he doesn't have to bother anyone, relatively speaking I suppose.
You put your goggles on and fly it and if it gets too far out of signal range the override will take control and fly itself back landing within ten feet of where you are. He said they have more sophisticated ones that will correct themselves if you make a mistake so they're dummy proof and impossible to crash.
Those things are fast too. Here's a guy railfanning around a bridge. I didn't appreciate how he disrespected the engineer's space but it's a cool video.
This guy apparently has mastered drone flight. He dances the cameras to the music causing a bit of dizziness
https://youtu.be/nQDcDZ6rmGE
Enjoy
I believe that it is time to rehang some telltales mid span of that bridge. That will quickly cure him of some of that nonsense.
Tim McGraw has a song called Train #10 on his 2007 album Let It Go, but it does not have much to do with trains, just waiting at a station.
He also recorded Ghost Town Train on his 2009 album Southern Voice, but this one has nothing to do with trains.
Evening
SeeYou190 Tim McGraw has a song called Train #10 on his 2007 album Let It Go, but it does not have much to do with trains, just waiting at a station. He also recorded Ghost Town Train on his 2009 album Southern Voice, but this one has nothing to do with trains.
Those are some good tunes Kevin. I like McGraw and he has something to do with Trains Now. Found another one of his songs with some good scenery for ya.
https://youtu.be/HTgTs3Ju9XA
maxman I believe that it is time to rehang some telltales mid span of that bridge. That will quickly cure him of some of that nonsense.
RGW LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - Jethro Tull
Sorry I missed this one as I've always been a Tull fan RGW. Now your talking.
https://youtu.be/7Ebwhu3nsM8
Good Yuks!
Thanks for sharing
Guess you can find anything if you look hard enough. Found a Pink Floyd Train video out of Greece and there was only 11 views when I found it.
https://youtu.be/Q7-2RAc8-cQ
Who would have ever thunk it. Ride the Rails with Floyd. Good tune too.
Check out when the train slows to engage the center traction rail as the grade steepens.....Kinda neat
PH
Nothing better than some relaxing big band music to wake over coffee in the morning. One can only appreciate how all the band members played perfectly in sync with one another back in the day. A little train music mixed in makes it sound even better.
Moonlight Serenade
https://youtu.be/FylMr6KN1Bw
We certainly have had a good run with everyone's contributions making this a really fun thread. Of course it wouldn't be complete without.....
The Subway Song
https://youtu.be/O2pODoQ4e8M
I'd like to Thank Everyone who has participated in the Train Song Thread
Track Fiddler
Try this one... kind of slow...
Railroad Lady by Willie Nelson on his 1977 album From Lefty To Willie.
Good one Kevin
Willie Nelson version (animated HD sound)
https://youtu.be/XNc4YFUbZrs
Jimmy Buffett version (F7's and classic cars)
https://youtu.be/xrIQ4Lw3NCc
Thanks for the suggestion.
One more of a classic blues oldie with instruments as train sounds and sax as the whistle.
Junior Parker
https://youtu.be/Ewxg5U5BFnU
Thanks Again Everyone
Track fiddlerGood one Kevin
Nanci Griffith recorded three train songs that I know of.
Southbound Train from Flyer (1994)
Morning Train from Blue Roses From The Moon (1997)
Last Train Home from Hearts In Mind (2004)
The live version of Last Train Home from the album Winter Marquee is wonderful.
I always thought of Nanci Griffith as the female version of John Prine. There is a video clip of them performing The Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness together that is fantastic.
It is a shame we have recently lost both of these performers.
Well, I am aware that Captain Beefheart might not be everybody's cup of tea. However, his song "Click Clack" from the album "The Spotlight Kid" clearly qualifies as train song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7DdDeuxo10
I know Love Train by the O'Jays was already mentioned, but...
Did you know The Wiggles recorded a cover of this song?
Well, they did, and it is every bit as terrible as you might fear.
(59) Love Train - YouTube
Just awful.
This one isn't even a year old yet being released in late summer 2021, and might be the contender for the youngest in the thread; The Killer's Quiet Town:
The grade crossing tragedy referenced in the opening of Quiet Town is based on a real accident in rural Utah that occured in 1994: https://www.deseret.com/1994/11/8/19141467/2-juab-students-who-died-in-train-car-crash-mourned
From the same album as Quiet Town, this track In The Car Outside also has a strong railway connection with the final guitar bridge imitating the sound of a railway crossing. The collector's lyric book even shows a diagram of valve gear, pistons and wheels on a steam locomotive to accompany the song.
City of New Orleans has been mentioned already, but IMHO this is the definative performance of it from The Highwaymen. Not train songs per-se, but Dan Auerbach's solo stuff and his work through The Black Keys and his record label Easy Eye Sound love dropping trains into music videos and lyric snippets. He has been photographed in a vest with PRR and C&O patches before, so the dude is a bit of a lowkey foamer. One of his songs off his solo album has a music video shot in the Utah railroad town of Helper, and plenty of trains sneak around elsewhere.
From Auerbach's label also comes the restored vintage audio of Son House's Empire State Express as well.
Rush's stoner/prog classic, A Passage to Bangkok and its titular train.
My favorite music video shot on a moving train? Queen's late career track Breakthru filmed behind a restored British steam engine.
Special mention to another shot on a moving train video, Piano Guy's Code Name Vivaldi performance with the finale shot onboard the Heber Valley Railroad.
Finally its such an incidental mention of railways and not a main part of the song, but I have to give kudos to how the mention of railroading as brief as it is adds to the atmospheric mood of The War on Drug's In Reverse.
Lee Hazlewood's "Long Black Train" and "The Railroad" from his "Trouble is a lonesome town" album
How about The Trolley Song? The iconic version was recorded by Judy Garland in 1944.
Here is a train song that could also be posted to the June Diner, but I thougjht it would be more fitting here. Click on 'Watch on TouTube' (It may take a second to appear):
Sicilian Train Blues by Roger Manning.
This one might be hard to find. It was on the Los Angeles based SST label,and released in 1989.
There was an accoustic version released in 1991 on an SST sampler compiliation, which is the one I prefer.
<EDIT> I found it on YouTube.
(72) The Sicilian Train Blues - YouTube
I just found out that Gilbert & Sullivan wrote an entire musical called "The Mikado", so there must be some train songs in there.
Anybody mention Folsom Prison Blues by the Man in Black?
So... it seems that the legendary Count Basie & His Orchestra had a tune called Super Chief, which sounds like it should be a train song. However, it is instrumental, so no train lyrics.
But, I think this is the creepiest album cover I have ever seen:
Well, I looked to find a link, and look at the album cover...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKUm7nDzTyE
For lyrics mentioning trains, does 'House of the Rising Sun' count? ("one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train").
I just skimmed through the thread so I might have missed them, but I don't think I saw Johnny Horton's 'Coal Smoke, Valve Oil and Steam" mentioned:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swo1AVDTLVo
Or Neil Young's 'Southern Pacific', this live version is my favourite railroad song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21ph2y3EYNI
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Let's see if I can still remember how to do video's...
Night Train - Jason Aldean
As an aside, I actually learned how to play Night Train, but I have no vids of that. (You wouldn't like my singing voice anyways. )
I also didn't see Rosanne Cash's Runaway Train, nor Cam's same titled but totally different song, Runaway Train.
Cam's is not my favorite song by her, but fits well here.
(Hopefully the vid's work now...)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Ok.... The vids work, but what language are the stupid labels in????? No clue how I did that!
Kenny Rodger's "Lucille". Not much train related but it starts out "In a bar in Toledo, across from the depot"
SD70Dude For lyrics mentioning trains, does 'House of the Rising Sun' count? ("one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train").
You are allowed to put House of the Rising Sun into any discussion. One of the greatest Rock n' Roll songs of all time.
I was just looking at somebody's list of the greatest Rock n' Roll songs of all time and it had Jethro Tull's Locomotive Breath listed. I remember Jethro Tull but don't remember this song at all. Does anybody know what it is about and whether it would classify as a train song?
My favorite-
Long Train Running by the Doobie Brothers. Guaranteed full-blast volume every time!
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
John-NYBWJethro Tull's Locomotive Breath listed. I remember Jethro Tull but don't remember this song at all. Does anybody know what it is about and whether it would classify as a train song?
Locomotive Breath is NOT about trains. The songs lyrics mention Charlie being at the throttle and his children getting off at the stations one by one. Then Charlie goes mad, breaks the handle off the throttle so the train runs out of control, and even god cannot stop the train after he takes the handle back.
For years, it was assumed the song was about the Charles Manson family.
Ian Anderson, who wrote the song, has been quoted over the past decade saying the song is actually about population growth destroying the planet.
I don't buy that. I think the song always has been about Charles Manson, and now he wishes he would have written it about something else.
Look up the lyrics and see what conclusion you come to.
New favorite train song. Ride by Walter Trout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLzmOugNc2I
MarknLisaNew favorite train song. Ride by Walter Trout
Absolutely excellent and completely enjoyable.
Thank you for the share.
MarknLisa New favorite train song. Ride by Walter Trout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLzmOugNc2I
Juice Newton - Queen Of Hearts - YouTube
"Midnight, and I'm awaiting on the twelve-oh-five, hopin it'll will take me just a little farther down the line."
Another song with minimal railroad connection but the beginning of the video has some shots of a live steam train.
Did anyone mention Steel Rail Blues by Gordon Lightfoot from the 1966 album Lightfoot?
Well let's put this number on the turntable and give 'er a spin:
Happens more often than you realize.
3734GTW_Pontiac_6-9-55 by Edmund, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
I've lost "track". Did anyone mention "Last Train To Clarksville"?
SeeYou190 Did anyone mention Steel Rail Blues by Gordon Lightfoot from the 1966 album Lightfoot? -Kevin
Page one.
I can't believe it has made it to 5 pages and I haven't seen mention of Josh Turner's Long Black Train.https://youtu.be/PyRZTAmcW7cOr for those who are bluegrass deprived....https://youtu.be/6CNB5OLUPM0and while someone mentioned CW's Silverton, there is another CW song...https://youtu.be/iJRjiMDSCW0
Robert H. Shilling II
Love that song
Train Of Thought by A-Ha... No?... It does mention a subway in the second verse.
How about All Down The Line by The Rolling Stones from Exile On Mainstreet?
SeeYou190 Night Train by Guns-N-Roses? -Kevin
Night Trian is about alcohol. But it's a great song.
I have been working on a playlist of songs for a long time. I added a couple from this thread today but most I’ve known for a long time. Most are rock so play them loud. Some of the highlights you’ve never heard of include Rumbling Train by Badlands and Princess of the Night by Saxon. And of course the classic The Railroad by Grand Funk Railroad.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKgicq8HcFz9vzqHR7c6XwnVPCmBU9DFM
"Ghost Train" by the Stranglers, if it hasn't already been mentioned (I didn't read through every post on every page, sorry). The guitars and other instrumentation actually sound like valves rattling and steam jetting. Not one everyone knows about (or would enjoy, I dare say). From their underrated album Dreamtime (1986).
I'm not sure this video was made by the band, but it appears to be them playing in the dark background. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p480EAC2Hw
-Matt
Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.
Here's a golden oldie, prolly predates anything listed so far..... (113 years)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5P7TzXXfkE
PMR
Don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but John Hartford's Gentle On My Mind which was Glen Campbell's first hit song has the words, "when I walk along some railroad tracks and find" in the second verse and in the final verse goes, "I dip my cup of soup back from a gurgling crackling cauldron in some train yard".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyRZTAmcW7c&t=3s
SeeYou190 How about All Down The Line by The Rolling Stones from Exile On Mainstreet?
Hi kevin, seen that ya dug up an old bone here
Good grief, has it been almost a year since this thread already, and where does the time go? Seems that everyone had a good time with it, and certainly did enjoy everyone's train music posted here myself.
It never dawned on me the Stones would have train songs, and found they had a couple of them.
Here's Johnny.
Thank ya all for the great train tunes
And someone surely has mentioned "Long Train Runnin'" but the Doobies. And I saw a long list by Kevin that almost but didn't quite include "Love Train" by the O'Jays.
And we cannot forget "Yellow Dog Rag" by blues man W. C. Handy.
https://msbluestrail.org/blues-trail-markers/where-the-southern-crosses-the-dog
"W. C. Handy, “The Father of the Blues,” immortalized the crossing of the Southern Railway and the Yazoo Delta (“Yellow Dog”) Railroad at Moorhead in his 1914 song “Yellow Dog Rag,” better known under its later title, “Yellow Dog Blues.” Handy wrote that he first heard the line “Goin’ where the Southern cross the Dog” sung by a guitarist at the Tutwiler train station (c. 1903)."
-Matt (a.k.a. crossthedog)
Guy Clark, Texas 1947
aiireland Guy Clark, Texas 1947
Yes, credit should be given to its origin Aiireland
Always have looked at it as a bit of a shame, when a big star comes along, and makes a big hit out of a great song that was already there.
Not really though, will venture to say, there is residual income to the original artist, and a win-win situation out of it. Sometimes an artist gets a little help from a friend.
Hold on, Gathering sumore patronage, as these live videos are a tuff act to fetch sometimes, especially after another 403 and already shortening this post to post it
Hello again
Had to start over, 403 doesn't let you add, but it likes when you subtract
crossthedog And someone surely has mentioned "Long Train Runnin'" by the Doobies.
And someone surely has mentioned "Long Train Runnin'" by the Doobies.
Probably, ...with a bit of taste in there step.
A favorite Matt. Where would anyone be without love and wish the whole world had it.
Seem to remember it was 1982 or 83, when Gary, Chuck, and myself went to the Doobie Brothers final farewell tour. They played that song and it was a great show
Sorry, the days of grouping multiple videos in one post are toast
John-NYBW Don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but John Hartford's Gentle On My Mind which was Glen Campbell's first hit song has the words, "when I walk along some railroad tracks and find" in the second verse and in the final verse goes, "I dip my cup of soup back from a gurgling crackling cauldron in some train yard".
Track fiddlerSeem to remember it was 1982 or 83, when Gary, Chuck, and myself went to the Doobie Brothers final farewell tour. They played that song and it was a great show
Indeed, where would we be naaaaaaaa na na now.
crossthedog Indeed, where would we be naaaaaaaa na na now.
Where would we be now
Was kind of bummed out when looking to see that "Wish You Were Here" video a few pages back, filmed in Greece. There were only 11 views when found, and now it has disappeared. Maybe it was bootlegged?
That's okay, here's some Amtrak Floyd of the same song
Modern rockabilly from The Slapbacks, Ghost Train.
The Slapbacks Ghost train - YouTube
I don't know how to make videos work anymore.
"i got a nickle smashed flatter than a dime"
Chris Knight, Spike Driving Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtRlS6ezf6M
SeeYou190 I don't know how to make videos work anymore.
aiireland Chris Knight, Spike Driving Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtRlS6ezf6M
Well, It's against my better judgement, but perhaps the #13 version will better suit your fancy
Terrible voice, but one must give credit for some great model railroad enthusiasm
No?
That's Davy Jones, not Casey Jones
Trying here! ...apparently could use a little help
Track fiddlerThat's Davy Jones, not Casey JonesIndifferent
crossthedog Track fiddler That's Davy Jones, not Casey Jones Golly, when I watch that vid, it makes me realize that the Super 8 movies my friends and I made in 8th grade weren't as bad as we thought they were -- sort of "industry standard" for the time. -Matt
Track fiddler That's Davy Jones, not Casey Jones
Golly, when I watch that vid, it makes me realize that the Super 8 movies my friends and I made in 8th grade weren't as bad as we thought they were -- sort of "industry standard" for the time.
Honestly, its that silly crap that keeps me going
I love the song ghost trains by hank snow
Even though someone surely mentioned it already (I think it was me), it would be appropriate today to repost this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzauTuRG78
Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd was riding his blues away on a train in Tuesday's Gone ...
Lone Wolf and Santa FeI have been working on a playlist of songs for a long time. I added a couple from this thread today but most I’ve known for a long time. Most are rock so play them loud. Some of the highlights you’ve never heard of include Rumbling Train by Badlands and Princess of the Night by Saxon. And of course the classic The Railroad by Grand Funk Railroad. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKgicq8HcFz9vzqHR7c6XwnVPCmBU9DFM Add Quote to your Post
Here is a repost of my list for anyone who for whatever reason didn't wish to follow the link to youtube.
The Railroad by Grand Funk RailroadRumblin Train by BadlandsRunaway Train by Soul AsylumPrincess of the Night by Saxon Catch Your Train by The ScorpionsA Passage to Bangkok by RushCrazy Train by OzzyTrain by Four Non BlondesTrain Kept a Rollin by AerosmithDream Train by Babylon A.D.Train Train by BlackfootHellbound Train by Savoy BrownLast Train to Clarksville by The MonkeeysCity of New Orleans by Arlo GuthrieThe Night They Drove Old Dixie Down by Joan BaezCasey Jones by The Grateful DeadMetro by Berlin9 to 5 Morning Train by Sheena EastonLocomotive by Guns N’ RosesThe Locomotion by Grand Funk RailroadThe Moonbeam Song by Harry NilssonLocomotive Breath by Jethro TullI’m A Loser by UFOLong Train Runnin by The Doobie BrothersMidnight Train to George by Gladys Knight and the PipsLove Train by The O Jays
Plus some other songs I found on this thread.
GN24 I love the song ghost trains by hank snow
Never heard that one before GN24, but I'd have to say it was well worth the listen
Hope the video chosen makes the grade
And I'd have to say, besides liking that song, I've also grown a new fondness of red dresses now too eh
There's certainly is a lot of Train Songs.
Kinda digg the ones with the steamer sounds going along with the tune.
I didn't know about this one until I heard on the car radio one day. It seems to use correct terminology for once.
Slim Dusty - Indian Pacific - Bing video
(Here are most of the lyrics - I had problems copying them...)
I should have included this one, also by Slim Dusty
Losin' My Blues Tonight (Live In Sydney 1992; 1998 Remaster) - YouTube
The 38 class Pacifics did indeed work the night mail trains on the Northern Line from around 1947 until about 1960.
No video this time.
Couldn't find a video for that one either Peter, but did find a Train video for the udder one
Could very well be the longest passenger train I've ever seen with 29 cars. Corrugated stainless, heavy-weight passenger cars are a favorite of mine. Interesting how they have a very similar bird of prey on them as the Chicago & Northwestern Falcon locomotives, another favorite.
Everybody loves Johnny.
When all is said and done, it's all about the clickety clanking of the rails, and the sound of the wind.
You just put your own music in-between.
Just as long as you have eight hours and twenty minutes to sleep
That Train Don't Run by Pinmonkey?
Here's a few with references to trains:
" White Room" by Cream
" Hear my Train a Comin'" by Hendrix
"Tonight I'll be Staying Here With You" by Dylan
and maybe" Train in Vein" by the Clash
but I like "City of New Orleans" as my fave train song
Paul
Since thgis thread is back up, and I do not see this one...
Kinda similar to Folsom Prison, as while it's not about trains, it does indeed mention them.
Agreed, since thgis thread is backed up, ...
Not sure if this was previously posted:
https://youtu.be/wuFId1RYSZE
Fast Moving Train by Restless Heart
That is another one that has the word "TRAIN" in the title, and dozens of times in the lyrics, but the song has nothing to do with trains.
Another good band, and perhaps it does have to do with trains indirectly Kevin.
He adored her and hoped it would be different. But her track record with relationships, (if you could call them that), was she moved through them like a Fast Moving Train.
Restless Heart has some good tunes. Here's one of my favorites.
Make it a great night my friend
Streamline Train - Van Morrison
On the 2007 album "My Kind Of Country" Van Zant has a song simply called Train.
Feel Like A Train
Pulling On The Strain
Aways...
On An Up Hill Track
Pouring On The Coal
Getting A Little Old
It seems we have a few Van's parked here on the old thread
The Van Morrison one was a good tune, and more recently, Donnie and Johnny deserve to be played.
Thanks for the suggestion
And Heeeere's Ronnie
All kinds of Vans in a row eh?
My Kind Of Country is an excellent album that never got much appreciation.
Thanks for making the direct link.
I have not seen this one listed.
Riding The L&N. My preferred version is by Nine Below Zero (live). Great song.
SeeYou190 My Kind Of Country is an excellent album that never got much appreciation. Thanks for making the direct link.
Not at all Kevin, your welcome. That album is appreciated over here
basementdweller I have not seen this one listed. Riding The L&N. My preferred version is by Nine Below Zero (live). Great song.
Then Riding the L&N by Nine Below Zero it is.
Some good jazz right there. I've always liked jazz, especially with horn and woodwind. Reminded me of some good Ol' New Orleans style.
How about some more morning music over coffee this morning.