About the song
There’s something undeniably captivating about a train journey, especially when it’s captured in song. **Willie Nelson’s** timeless classic, **”City of New Orleans,”** takes us on a nostalgic ride through the heartland of America. Released in 1984, this track has become a beloved anthem, painting vivid pictures of life on the rails and evoking a sense of wanderlust in listeners of all ages.
Originally written by Steve Goodman, the song was popularized by Arlo Guthrie before Nelson’s iconic rendition made it a country music staple. Nelson’s distinctive vocals and heartfelt delivery, combined with the song’s evocative lyrics, create a truly unforgettable listening experience. The lyrics paint a portrait of a city that is both familiar and exotic, capturing the essence of the American South.
**”Good morning, America, how are you? Say, don’t you know me? I’m your native son. I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans, and I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.”**
These opening lines immediately transport us aboard the train, inviting us to join the journey. Nelson’s voice, weathered and wise, guides us through the changing landscapes as the train rolls on. The song’s imagery is rich and evocative, conjuring up images of steam locomotives, bustling train stations, and the open road.
The beauty of “City of New Orleans” lies in its simplicity. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for home, adventure, and connection. Whether you’ve ever ridden a train or not, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust as you listen. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
**”City of New Orleans”** is more than just a song; it’s a journey. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, when travel was an adventure and the open road held endless possibilities. Nelson’s heartfelt performance captures the spirit of the American road trip, inviting listeners to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join him on a musical journey.
For those who have experienced the joys and challenges of life on the road, **”City of New Orleans”** is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For those who haven’t, it’s an invitation to explore a world beyond their own. No matter who you are or where you come from, this song has the power to transport you to a different place and time.
**So, next time you’re feeling restless or in need of a little inspiration, put on **Willie Nelson’s** “City of New Orleans” and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the rails. You’ll be glad you did.”**
Video
Lyrics
Riding on the city of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey
The train pulled out at Kankakee
And rolls along past houses, farms and fields
Passin’ trains that have no names
And freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobiles
Good morning, America
How are you?
Say don’t you know me? I’m your native son
I’m the train they call the city of New Orleans
And I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done
Dealin’ card games 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
Feel the wheels rumblin’ ‘neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman Porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their father’s magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep
Are rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rail is all they feel
Good morning, America
How are you?
Say 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 five hundred miles when the day is done
Nighttime on the city of New Orleans
Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Half way home, we’ll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness
Rolling down to the sea
But all the towns and people seem
To fade into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his songs again
The passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues
Good morning, America
How are you?
Say 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 five hundred miles when the day is done
