Introduction
As the gentle rumble of a train rolling down its track fills the air, it’s easy to be transported to the heartland of America, where the song “City of New Orleans” captures the essence of a bygone era of rail travel. Written by Steve Goodman, the song was popularized by Arlo Guthrie in 1972 and remains a poignant reminder of the slowly vanishing passenger train culture in the United States.
About The Composition
- Title: City of New Orleans
- Composer: Steve Goodman
- Premiere Date: 1971
- Album/Opus/Collection: Included in Arlo Guthrie’s album “Hobo’s Lullaby” (1972)
- Genre: Folk
Background
Steve Goodman penned “City of New Orleans” during a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans aboard the Illinois Central Railroad’s eponymous train. The song reflects both a nostalgic homage and a critical commentary on the decline of American railroad travel, capturing the imagery and ethos of the people who rode “the disappearing railroad blues.” Arlo Guthrie’s version brought the song to commercial success, deeply resonating with audiences for its evocative lyrics and warm, melodic tune.
Musical Style
“City of New Orleans” is characterized by its simple and lyrical folk composition, employing acoustic guitar as its primary instrument. The song’s structure is straightforward yet effective, with a chorus that has a sing-along quality, making it a staple in American folk music. Its repetitive melody helps to evoke the rhythmic, steady motion of a train, a key element that enhances the song’s storytelling.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “City of New Orleans” paint vivid pictures of the train’s daily journey, with passengers of diverse backgrounds and stories. Goodman’s lyrics delve into the social interactions aboard the train, symbolizing a microcosm of American society. The recurring line, “Good morning America, how are you?” speaks directly to the listener, inviting them to reflect on their own connection to this shared cultural experience.
Performance History
Since its debut, “City of New Orleans” has been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson, whose version won a Grammy Award in 1985. Each rendition brings a new layer of interpretation and nostalgia, keeping the song relevant across generations.
Cultural Impact
The song has transcended its origins to become an anthem of American folklore, often used in documentaries and films that explore themes of travel, change, and the passage of time. Its influence extends beyond music, impacting how people reminisce about the era of rail travel in the United States.
Legacy
“City of New Orleans” continues to be an essential part of America’s musical and cultural heritage. Its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the changing landscapes—both physical and societal—ensures its place in the canon of great American folk songs.
Conclusion
“City of New Orleans” is more than just a song; it’s a journey through America’s heartland and a reflection on a bygone era that still resonates today. I encourage all to listen to Guthrie’s version or explore one of the many covers to experience the enduring spirit of this classic folk song. Its narrative, style, and melody are bound to enrich your understanding and appreciation of American folk music.
Video
Lyrics
Ridin’ on the ‘City of New Orleans’
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
15 cars and 15 restless riders
Three conductors and 25 sacks of mail
All along the southbound Odyssey, the train pulled out at Kankakee
It rolls along past houses, farms, and fields
Passing trains that have no name 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 500 miles, when the day is done
Dealing cards with the old man 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 porter’s and the sons of engineers
Ride their father’s 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 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 500 miles when the day is done
Nighttime on the ‘City of New Orleans’
Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness, rollin’ 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 500 miles when the day is done