The Orange Blossom Special ran between New York and Miami between 1925 and 1953, with a long break during WWII. Rich folks who wanted to escape to a warmer climate in the winter especially appreciated the deluxe Pullman-manufactured cars and restaurant-style meals. The train was the Seaboard line's greatest claim to fame, even though it was operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad north of Washington DC.

The song written about this train is notable for several reasons. Best know as an instrumental fiddle tune, it really did have words when it was written back in 1938 by Ervin T. Rouse (possibly with help from self-proclaimed contributor "Chubby" Wise). It is unique in that the song changes keys between the verse and the chorus. It typically starts in E major, so the fiddler can squeeze in some bluesy train-whistle sounds. If the words are sung, the song stays in E for them. But when it's time for the toe-tapping instrumental chorus, the song steps down to A major, until it's time for more verses or train whistles.

Johnny Cash tinkered with tradition in 1965 when he recorded the song, not only with the words, but also with harmonicas instead of a fiddle. Yes, that's plural. One harmonica doesn't have all the notes you need to do the melody justice, but two harmonicas, a fourth apart, do. In the video below, you can see Johnny glancing at the harp in his hand to make certain he's starting out with the right one.

To see sheet music for the traditional fiddle part, click here

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Well look a-yonder comin'
Comin' on down the track
Well look a-yonder comin'
Comin' on down the track
It's the Orange Blossom Special
Bringin' my baby back

Well talk about her ramblin'
She's the fastest train on the line
Well talk about her travellin'
She's the fastest train on the line
She's the Orange Blossom Special
Rollin' down the Seaboard line

Well, I'm going down to Florida
Get some sand in my shoes
Or maybe California
Get some sand in my shoes
I'll ride the Orange Blossom Special
And lose those New York blues

MP3 clips from Amazon

Orange Blossom Special - Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys Bill's interpretation was the best known version for many years, featuring fiddler Art Wooten.
Orange Blossom Special - Johnny Cash A harmonica-centered version with the words, and the Tennessee Three's persistant backing.
Orange Blossom Special - Charlie Daniels The fiddle's on fire in this live performance - a serious toe-tapper.

More Great Sound Clips of This Song

Click here to hear more sound clips of this song on Amazon

You-Tube Videos of This Song

Several otherwise great videos of this song have so many other instruments in them that you can't really hear the fiddle melody. The video below, featuring Mikayla Roach, who was nine when this video was made, gives a very good idea of the fiddle part on the chorus. Johnny Cash's well-known take on the song is below.

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