Trains have long held a special place in the American imagination, embodying progress, adventure, and the vastness of the landscape. It’s no surprise then that trains have become a recurring and powerful motif in American music. From the rhythmic chugging of the engine to the lonesome whistle echoing through the night, Songs About Trains capture a unique blend of romance, hard work, and wanderlust. This enduring fascination has inspired countless artists across genres to write memorable tunes celebrating, lamenting, and storytelling through the lens of the railroad.
Inspired by curated lists like Kevin Baker’s, we’ve compiled an expanded and SEO-optimized guide to some of the best songs about trains ever recorded. This collection showcases the breadth and depth of train-themed music, from classic country ballads to bluesy laments and rock anthems. Get ready to embark on a musical journey through the heartland of America, powered by the rhythm of the rails.
1. Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s quintessential “Folsom Prison Blues” is instantly recognizable for its “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm and the iconic line, “I hear the train a comin’.” The song masterfully uses the distant train whistle as a symbol of freedom and the world outside the prison walls, intensifying the feelings of confinement and longing. It’s a cornerstone of country music and a definitive song about trains, showcasing the metaphorical power of railroads in storytelling.
2. City of New Orleans by Steve Goodman
Made famous by Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson, Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans” is a poignant ballad that romanticizes the Illinois Central Railroad’s passenger train of the same name. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a disappearing America, lamenting the decline of passenger train travel while celebrating the spirit of community and shared journey. It’s a nostalgic and beautifully written song that evokes the golden age of train travel.
3. The Ballad of John Henry sung by Harry Belafonte
“The Ballad of John Henry” is a classic American folk song that tells the legendary tale of John Henry, a steel-driving man who raced against a steam-powered hammer to prove his worth. While not solely about trains, the steam drill and the railroad construction are central to the narrative. Harry Belafonte’s powerful rendition brings to life this story of man versus machine in the context of railroad expansion, highlighting the backbreaking labor involved in building the tracks.
4. Chattanooga Choo Choo by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon
“Chattanooga Choo Choo,” popularized by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, is a swinging, upbeat jazz standard that celebrates the Chattanooga Choo Choo train and the journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This song is pure nostalgia and romanticism of train travel, evoking a sense of excitement and glamour associated with taking the train to a desirable destination. Its infectious melody and cheerful lyrics make it a timeless classic.
5. Mystery Train by Junior Parker
“Mystery Train” is a blues song, famously covered by Elvis Presley, that uses the train as a symbol of loss and foreboding. The lyrics tell a story of a train that took away the singer’s baby and then returned without her, shrouded in mystery and sadness. Junior Parker’s original and Elvis’s rockabilly version both capture the haunting and enigmatic nature of the “mystery train,” showcasing the darker side of train symbolism in song.
6. The Midnight Special sung by Leadbelly and Harry Belafonte
“The Midnight Special” is a traditional folk song, with versions by Leadbelly and Harry Belafonte, that speaks of hope and possible freedom for prisoners. Legend says that if the light of the Midnight Special train shone on a prisoner, they would be pardoned. This song uses the train as a beacon of hope and a symbol of potential escape from hardship and confinement, deeply rooted in African American folklore and work song traditions.
7. The Wreck of the Old 97 sung by Johnny Cash
“The Wreck of the Old 97,” another Johnny Cash classic, is a tragic ballad based on the real-life derailment of the Southern Railway mail train, the Old 97, in 1903. The song recounts the events leading up to the disaster, emphasizing speed and recklessness. It serves as a cautionary tale and a memorial to the lives lost, highlighting the dangers associated with early rail travel and the human cost of progress.
8. This Train is Bound for Glory sung by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
“This Train is Bound for Glory,” powerfully performed by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, is a gospel song that uses the train as a metaphor for salvation and the journey to heaven. The train represents righteousness and faith, and those who are “clean and holy” are welcome aboard. Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s energetic performance infuses this spiritual with joy and conviction, making it a powerful expression of faith through the imagery of a train journey.
9. On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer
“On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe” is a cheerful and optimistic song celebrating the Santa Fe Railway and the romantic idea of traveling westward by train. Made famous in the movie The Harvey Girls, the song evokes images of scenic landscapes and the promise of new beginnings in the American West. It’s a lighthearted and catchy tune that embodies the allure of train travel and the expansion of the railroad across the nation.
10. Dixie Flyer by Randy Newman
Randy Newman’s “Dixie Flyer” is a more cynical and satirical take on train travel in the American South. The song uses the Dixie Flyer train as a backdrop for observing social and racial dynamics in the region. Newman’s wry lyrics and piano-driven melody offer a nuanced and sometimes critical perspective on the romanticized image of the South and its railways.
11. 500 Miles sung by Hedy West, Rosanne Cash and Joan Baez respectively
“500 Miles,” a folk song popularized by various artists including Hedy West, Rosanne Cash, and Joan Baez, speaks of loneliness and being far from home, using the imagery of train travel and distance. The repeated lines emphasize the feeling of being lost and adrift, with the train tracks symbolizing the long journey and the separation from loved ones. It’s a poignant and melancholic song that resonates with themes of displacement and longing.
12. Downbound Train by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s “Downbound Train” is a heartland rock song that uses the image of a train heading “downbound” as a metaphor for a life spiraling downwards after losing love and hope. The train becomes a symbol of despair and a journey to nowhere good. Springsteen’s raw vocals and the song’s driving rhythm capture the feeling of being trapped on a train headed for heartbreak.
13. Rock Island Line sung by Alan Lomax, Johnny Cash and Lonnie Donegan respectively
“Rock Island Line” is an energetic and rhythmically driven song that celebrates the speed and efficiency of the Rock Island Railroad. Versions by Alan Lomax, Johnny Cash, and Lonnie Donegan highlight its versatility across genres from folk to rockabilly and skiffle. The song’s playful lyrics and driving beat capture the excitement and dynamism associated with the railroad and its impact on American life.
14. Paddy on the Railway by The Wolfe Tones
“Paddy on the Railway” is a traditional Irish folk song (covered by The Wolfe Tones) that tells the story of Irish immigrants working on the railways, likely in America or Britain. It speaks of the hard labor, camaraderie, and sometimes rebellious spirit of these workers. While not strictly American, it reflects the significant contribution of Irish immigrants to railroad construction and the folk songs that emerged from that experience.
15. Freight Train, Freight Train by Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, also sung by Peter, Paul & Mary
Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten’s “Freight Train, Freight Train” is a gentle and evocative fingerpicked guitar piece with simple lyrics that imitate the sound and rhythm of a freight train. Also popularized by Peter, Paul & Mary, the song captures the mesmerizing and somewhat lonesome sound of trains passing in the night. It’s a more introspective and atmospheric train song, focusing on the sonic imagery of the railroad.
16. The Ballad of Casey Jones aka The Brave Engineer by Johnny Cash
“The Ballad of Casey Jones,” also known as “The Brave Engineer,” another version by Johnny Cash, celebrates the legendary railroad engineer Casey Jones, who sacrificed his life to save his passengers in a train wreck. The song romanticizes the heroism and dedication of railroad workers, portraying Casey Jones as a brave and selfless figure in American folklore.
17. Casey Jones by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter
The Grateful Dead’s “Casey Jones,” written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, is a rock song that uses the name “Casey Jones” as a metaphor for someone living life on the edge, perhaps with drug use implied. While taking inspiration from the legendary engineer, the song shifts the focus to a more counter-cultural and metaphorical interpretation of the “train” and the “engineer,” reflecting a different era and perspective on American mythology.
18. Wabash Cannonball by J.A. Roff
“Wabash Cannonball” is a classic country and folk song that romanticizes the Wabash Cannonball Express train as a legendary and almost mythical train traveling across America. Popularized by Roy Acuff and many others, the song evokes a sense of adventure and the romanticism of train travel, contributing to the folklore surrounding famous American trains.
19. Long Train Running by The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running” is a blues-rock song driven by a distinctive guitar riff and rhythm that evokes the feeling of a long and unstoppable train journey. While the lyrics are somewhat ambiguous, the driving rhythm and imagery of a “long train running” create a powerful sense of momentum and relentless forward motion, metaphorically linked to life’s journey.
20. I’ve Been Working on the Railroad, singer unknown
“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” is a traditional American folk song, origin unknown, celebrating the work and camaraderie of railroad workers. Its simple, repetitive lyrics and sing-along melody have made it a children’s classic and a staple of American folk music, embodying the collective effort involved in building and maintaining the railroads.
21. Last Train to Clarksville by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville” is a pop song that uses the last train to Clarksville as a deadline and a symbol of urgency in a romantic relationship. The train represents a departure and a crucial moment for the couple, adding a sense of drama and time pressure to the narrative. It’s a catchy pop tune that cleverly uses the train motif within a love song context.
22. Midnight Train to Georgia by Jim Weatherly and sung by Gladys Knight & The Pips
“Midnight Train to Georgia,” made famous by Gladys Knight & The Pips, is a soul classic that uses the midnight train to Georgia as a symbol of returning home after dreams of stardom in Los Angeles fail. The train becomes a vehicle for both physical and emotional journey, representing a return to roots and a search for genuine happiness beyond fame and fortune.
23. Bringin’ in the Georgia Mail by Fred Rose and sung by Sam Bush Band
“Bringin’ in the Georgia Mail” is a bluegrass song, often performed by Sam Bush Band, that celebrates the important role of trains in delivering mail and connecting communities, particularly in rural areas like Georgia. The song highlights the practical and essential function of trains in communication and commerce, with a lively bluegrass tempo that reflects the energy and movement of the railroad.
Bonus Song: Downtown Train sung by Tom Waits and Rod Stewart respectively
Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train,” later popularized by Rod Stewart, uses the image of a downtown train as a symbol of hope and anticipation for a loved one’s arrival. The train represents connection and the longing for reunion in an urban setting. Both versions capture the yearning and romantic anticipation associated with waiting for someone special to arrive by train.
From work songs to ballads of tragedy and tunes of celebration, songs about trains offer a rich and diverse tapestry of American musical storytelling. They capture not just the sounds and sights of the railroad, but also the emotions, dreams, and realities of a nation shaped by the iron horse. So, hop aboard and let these songs transport you through the landscape of American music history.
