About the song
“City of New Orleans,” performed by The Highwaymen and featured on their live album “American Outlaws: Live at Nassau Coliseum, 1990,” is a timeless classic that captures the heart and soul of Americana. This legendary country supergroup, comprised of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, brought together four of the most iconic voices in country music history to create a truly unforgettable performance.
The song itself is a vivid portrait of the city of New Orleans and the people who call it home. Written by Steve Goodman, “City of New Orleans” paints a picture of a bustling city and the various characters that pass through it. The lyrics evoke images of a late-night train journey, filled with the sounds of a jazz band, the laughter of passengers, and the rhythmic chugging of the locomotive.
One of the most striking aspects of this performance is the harmonies between the four members of The Highwaymen. Their voices blend together seamlessly, creating a rich and textured sound that is both powerful and comforting. The live recording from Nassau Coliseum adds an extra layer of energy and authenticity to the performance, capturing the raw emotion and excitement of a live concert.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, the lyrics are both evocative and relatable, painting a vivid picture of a place and time that many listeners can identify with. Second, the music is catchy and memorable, with a melody that is easy to sing along to. And third, the performance by The Highwaymen is simply masterful, showcasing the talents of four of the greatest country musicians of all time.
If you’re a fan of classic country music or simply appreciate great songwriting and musicianship, then “City of New Orleans” is a must-listen. It’s a song that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
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