If you’re like me and watch “Alice’s Restaurant” each Thanksgiving, the following is for you.
If not, read on anyway; you need to know this song.
Woody Guthrie’s classic folk song “The City of New Orleans” has long been considered a quintessential piece of Americana music. The song, made famous by Arlo Guthrie in 1972, describes the experience of traveling on the Illinois Central Railroad train known as the City of New Orleans. Through its vivid imagery and evocative lyrics, the song captures the spirit of American travel and the unique culture of the cities along the train’s route.
Editor’s Note: It departs from Kankakee, Illinois, less than an hour from my hometown, so, there’s that.
Table of Contents
- Train Travel: A Journey Through America
- Diverse Cities Along the Route
- Exploring Themes of Memory and Longing
- The Power of Music to Unite
- A Historical Document of American Life
Train Travel: A Journey Through America
At its core, “The City of New Orleans” is a song about the beauty and poetry of train travel. The lyrics describe the sights, sounds, and emotions of riding the train, from the rhythmic clack of the tracks to the changing landscapes outside the window. Guthrie’s vivid imagery allows listeners to experience the journey alongside the singer, capturing the romance and nostalgia of train travel in a way that only music can.
Diverse Cities Along the Route
One of the song’s most striking elements is its portrayal of the diverse cities along the train’s route. From the bustling streets of Chicagoland to the peaceful bayous of Louisiana, Guthrie paints a vivid picture of the varied landscapes and cultures of America. The song celebrates the unique character of each city, showcasing the rich tapestry of American life.
Exploring Themes of Memory and Longing
In addition to its portrayal of the physical journey, “The City of New Orleans” also explores themes of memory, longing, and the passage of time. The song’s wistful tone and nostalgic lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of travel and the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind familiar places and faces.
The Power of Music to Unite
“The City of New Orleans” is also a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. The song has become a beloved anthem for train enthusiasts, folk music fans, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of American landscapes and culture.
A Historical Document of American Life
Furthermore, Guthrie’s masterful songwriting and performance elevate “The City of New Orleans” to a work of art that transcends genre and time. The song’s melodic structure, poetic lyrics, and emotional depth stand as a testament to Guthrie’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
Lyrics
Riding on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday morning 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, and fields
Passing trains that have no name
An’ freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobilesGood morning, America, how are ya?
Said 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 doneDealing card games with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keeping score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels rumbling ‘neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpets made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep
Are rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feelGood morning, America, how are ya?
Said 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 doneNighttime on the City of New Orleans
Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness, rolling down to the sea
But all the towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his songs again
The passengers will please refrain
This train got the disappearing railroad bluesGood night, America, how are you?
Said 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
The City of New Orleans, an AI Sonnet
In the heart of America, a train does ride,
The City of New Orleans, its steel tracks wide.
Its whistle echoes through the night,
A haunting melody, a traveler’s delight.From Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico,
Through cities and fields, where the rivers flow.
A song of a nation, an American tale,
Of progress and change, of triumph and travail.The rhythm of the rails, a steady beat,
Carrying passengers to their destination sweet.
A symbol of freedom, of movement and range,
The City of New Orleans, an America unchanged.- poemgenerator.io
Watch Arlo Guthrie perform “The City of New Orleans” live with Pete Seeger in 1993: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYjOMIki6qs