About the song
**Willie Nelson’s** “City of New Orleans” is more than a song; it’s a journey. With his signature warm voice, Willie Nelson delivers an emotional version of this classic song that has become an integral part of American music. The song, written by Steve Goodman and made famous by Arlo Guthrie, tells the story of the journey of the City of New Orleans train, a symbol of connection and everyday stories across America.
**Willie Nelson**, a country music legend, brings “City of New Orleans” to life with his unique musical style. He doesn’t just sing, he tells a story. His voice, full of experience and wisdom, takes the listener on a nostalgic journey through the lands and people the train passes through.
The song is not only a picture of America, but also a reflection on time and change. It recalls the old days, when life seemed slower and simpler. **Nelson** skillfully conveys this feeling, making the listener feel as if they were sitting on that train, taking in the scenery and listening to the stories.
**Willie Nelson**’s version of “City of New Orleans” is a testament to the power of music to connect us to the past and to each other. It is a song for those who love America, love country music, and love the stories of everyday life. It is part of America’s musical heritage, and one of the finest moments in **Willie Nelson**’s career.
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
