About the song
The Highwaymen: A Timeless Ballad of New Orleans
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and evocative about a country song that paints a vivid picture of a bygone era. The Highwaymen’s rendition of “City of New Orleans” is undoubtedly one such classic. Released in 1982, this timeless ballad has captured the hearts of music lovers for generations, transporting listeners to a simpler time and place.
Composed by Steve Goodman, the song tells the story of an overnight passenger train journey from Chicago to New Orleans. As the train rolls through the heartland, the lyrics paint a picturesque portrait of the American South, from the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside. Goodman’s evocative imagery, coupled with the rich harmonies of The Highwaymen—Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson—creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and deeply moving.
The song’s appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust and longing. The train journey itself becomes a metaphor for life’s journey, with each stop along the way representing a new experience or chapter. The city of New Orleans, with its rich history and vibrant culture, serves as the ultimate destination—a place of hope, renewal, and endless possibilities.
The Highwaymen were perfectly suited to bring this song to life. Each member of the group had a distinct and recognizable voice, and their combined talents created a sound that was both powerful and intimate. Cash’s deep, resonant voice provided a sense of gravitas, while Nelson’s soulful delivery added a touch of melancholy. Jennings’s gritty vocals brought a raw energy to the performance, and Kristofferson’s poetic lyrics provided a sense of depth and complexity.
Beyond its musical merits, “City of New Orleans” has also become a cultural touchstone. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been covered by countless artists. It remains a popular choice for weddings, graduations, and other special occasions.
In conclusion, The Highwaymen’s rendition of “City of New Orleans” is a masterful blend of storytelling, musicianship, and nostalgia. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to another time and place, and to evoke a sense of wonder and longing. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, this is one classic that is well worth revisiting.
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Lyrics
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday mornin’ rail
15 cars and 15 restless riders
Three conductors, 25 sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms & fields
Passin’ graves that have no name, freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of rusted automobiles
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
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 500 miles when the day is done
Dealin’ cards 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
And feel the wheels grumblin’ neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters & the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep, rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
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 500 miles when the day is done
Night time on the City of New Orleans
Changin’ cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by mornin’
Through the Mississippi darkness rollin’ down to the sea
But all the towns & people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his song again
“The passengers will please refrain,
This train has got the disappearin’ railroad blues
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
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 500 miles when the day is done