Classic Train Songs

This page contains a sort of library of songs that I think every railfan should know and that almost every railfan already enjoys. I started out just publishing links to Amazon clips to some of my favorite versions of several songs, with the idea of coming back later and adding more songs. But the ancient folk-singer and amateur historian in me insisted I tell the story of each song as well, and provide the sheet music if it's available (and not under copyright). So instead of adding more songs, I started telling the story of the songs I've already listed, dedicating a page to each songs. A few songs don't have their own pages yet, and there are many more songs to add. But I think providing the history of the song (and in many cases, the facts behind the song) will make this feature more useful to people in the long run.

For now I'm leaving a few of my favorite song clips on this page for easy access. But if you want to hear more clips, read the lyrics, learn the history, and (in some cases) see You-tube videos of famous folks performing the songs, click on the link to take you to each page.

If you have a favorite train song, or a favorite performer that you'd like to see added next, please contact me and I'll try to track them down. Also, if you don't see the link for a particular song, hit refresh - it seems like Amazon can never populate all of the links at the same time.

City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans - Steve Goodman Song by the original composer, who wrote the song when traveling with McGovern's presidential campaign in 1972
City of New Orleans - Willie Nelson Willie's classic take on this favorite

Wabash Cannonball

Wabash Cannonball - Willie Nelson Willie's classic vocal over a western swing accompaniment.
Wabash Cannonball - Roy Acuff A traditional "Smoky Mountain" style arrangement, with harmonica and train whistle.

Orange Blossom Special

Orange Blossom Special - Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys A classic Bluegrass recording of this great fiddle tune.
Orange Blossom Special - Johnny Cash A harmonica-centered version.
Orange Blossom Special - Charlie Daniels The fiddle's on fire in this live performance - a serious toe-tapper.

Casey Jones

Casey Jones - Johnny Cash From the 1994 album, Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Banjo and acoustic guitar provide most of the accompaniment.
Casey Jones - Tom Russell A peppy, but generally traditional arrangement with some fun flatpicking and a skiffle feel.

Rock Island Line

Rock Island Line - The Weavers From the group that kick-started America's Folk music revival, back when Pete Seeger had hair
Rock Island Line - Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee An original folk duo's take.
Rock Island Line - Johnny Cash More story than song, I think. :-)

This Train (Don't Carry No Gamblers)