My dad used to work the trains back in the 1950s. He loved this song and always said, "This kid [Steve] really knew trains!" Little details like, "Switching cars in Memphis Tennessee," which was where they actually did switch cars. But also, "The sons of Pullman Porters and the sons of engineers," riding, "Their fathers' magic carpets made of steel." As the top guys on the train, the Pullman Porters and engineers were allowed to bring their kids with them on trips. It was not unusual for those children to ride with their dads during summer holidays. Details like that add so much to the story. I am grateful to my late dad for sharing, and to Steve for writing so beautifully to begin with.
I heard one account that this was a protest song about Amtrack taking over passenger rail service and Steve knew it would never be the same again. A song about a dying era.
Listen closely, he says, "magic carpets it's made of steam" here, though he sang it both ways at different times. Regarding the comment about other versions being better than this one, l beg to differ. Those versions are OK but too commercial IMHO Steve wrote the song and does it best. To each his own.
Steve could not be pigeonholed in any particular genre... except maybe folk music because his lyrics usually told a story. He was a great singing story teller, better than Woody Guthrie.
@@Charliecomet82 Unfortunately I don't believe Nobel Prizes are given posthumously. But if Dylan won one, why not Steve Goodman? Many similarities, both nice Jewish boys from the midwest... OK, it probably ends there LOL.
My grandfather was an engineer on the B&O. He died when my dad was 16. I never met him, but I have his gold Elgin pocket watch and his shaving cup, which I use almost every day.
Wikipedia says Steve was exactly who he appeared to be: an ambitious, well-adjusted man from a loving, middle-class Jewish home in the Chicago suburbs, whose life and talent were directed by the physical pain and time constraints of a fatal disease which he kept at bay, at times, seemingly by willpower alone . Steve lived as normal a life as possible, only he had to live it as fast as he could. May I add .. thank you for his life and talent which has lasted so long after his sad early death in this iconic song never sung better than by he himself here. Peace to him and all that pass this way.
It’s so strange. I was struggling with my own song writing and artistic tribulations earlier and I just couldn’t get the refrain of this song out of my head. I’d only heard it from an infomercial from the early 90s for 70s hits and just suddenly remembered it all these years later. I had to look up who sang it and hear it. Arlo Guthrie brought me to Steve Goodman who I’d never heard of. I’m so glad that song came to me after only hearing the chorus more than 30 years ago. It’s strange but it opened up the door just now to so much great music. God speaks to us in unexpected ways.
Definitely! People try, though! My late husband wrote New York Central Yard - a really good train song - and Steve Goodman was such an influencd on him, as was John Prine. Sadly he also died, in 1986, and his friends and others keep the song alive, and keep Goodman and Prine songs alive as well!
I am quite persuaded after many years of diverse consideration, that Mr. Steve Goodman's lyrics are among the most poignant, most significant to arise out of post WWII USAmerican culture. This is one of those rarest of gems, a truly original contribution to music, poetry and the spirit of North American Culture. I count Mr. Goodman among the Culture Saints, c.f. Leonard Cohen, What is a a Saint? Thank you for your contribution, Mr. Goodman, wherever you may be, my dear friend who I never met in flesh. Rest well.
I met Steve and got a personal concert from him on board a TRAIN!! Steve was campaigning on the Muskie Train, when Sen. Ed Muskie was campaigning for President in Florida back in ' 72. No one knew Steve Armstrong or his song. This was years before Kristofferson and Arlo Guthrie made it famous. One of the TOP MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.
This has got be be my favorite version of this song I have ever heard. I love how he is playing this faster than most I have heard. The upbeat tempo gives it a different feeling.
I always felt Arlo Guthrie's version was completely over- produced. The lyrics spoke of the simple beauty and nostalgic love of a train ride and the people who road it. The orchestral production, while commercially effective, was like flocking a naturally beautiful Christmas tree. My Photography mentor and, " big brother ", P Michael O' Sullivan, shot the cover for Steve's, " Somebody Else's Troubles " . I was fortunate to call friends, most of the people , on that album cover ( I never met Steve's wife ). They were special people who could make you feel Iike you were special . The post office I go to was renamed the " Steve Goodman Branch ", after he passed away. There is a display of Goodman memorabilia, as you enter the building. It always makes smile, to see the photos, album covers, etc. He was one of a kind. God bless, Steve. Thank you for the magical beauty of your music 🙏🙏
I see 8 Schroeders in my 1963 Maine yearbook. I took up guitar in high school and still plink around a bit, but never bumped into Steve. I'm sorry I didn't.
The last time I rode a train was on a trip from New York to New Orleans in 1960. I was 5 years old and I became lost from my Mother and my other brothers and sister in the train station, as the trains were boarding and were about to pull away. A sailor in uniform found me and took me by each window of each train car until my Mother looked out and saw me. I never felt that feeling of disconnect again until the moment my Mom died 5 years ago. I heard this song when it first became a hit while I was 17 still in high school. I am 62, and will remember that trip, the smell of the interior of the 'pullman' train car, and riding through the towns and farms and fields of America, as long as I live.
great story ! I was 5 in 1958 born in NO and my mother and father were divorcing and I was going to live in Mississippi with my grandparents . My dad put me on the train and I was very upset and and I went to the window looking to aee my dad , but I could only see the engineer in another train and he saw me and he waved at me because he could see that I was upset and I waved back and the big train with the red stripe rolled north to the Mississippi sunrise . I didnt see my dad for 12 years . Poignant memories .
what a beautiful and magical story, James. That man could voice healing even in the terrible times of despair. He knew what was happening in our world before he died. He sang it through his own physical pain abd gave us this gift. Even though it truly is "good night America," Steve sings in hope despite it.. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and moving story.
I rode the "Huminnbird" From Louisville to Nashville, in 1962., I was four years old. I remember the service. Black Men, in white coats. They were so gracious .The trip taught me at a young age' that difference, does not matter, difference is what makes our life, magnificent. .We are all children of God. Riding the rails, in this life.
This is my favorite version-the songwriter’s interpretation is so true to the lyric. He’s so joyful when he sings it-it’s infectious! Beautiful voice too!
I think I've watched this video at least 20 times. It just hits a spot few other songs do. I would put this in the top five songs that define the Americana genre.
Listening to the Arlo Guthrie version and decided to look up the song writer. Glad I did. Song writers don’t get much credit. I read a bio on him. He was an amazing guy and what a beautiful voice.
Don't know if it's supposed to, but every time I hear this song I tear up (well maybe sometimes crying). I love this song and I love his version so much.
Steve Goodman got some much deserved posthumous recognition when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016. Many people from outside Chicago heard "Go Cubs Go" for the first time and were fascinated to learn it was written by the same artist who wrote "City of New Orleans."
So happy that he paid tribute to Goodman.. some think that Arlo wrote that song, it’s great that he sets the record straight. John Prine always gives him credit when he sings one of his songs.
The original is still the best. Grew up with this version back in the 70's. R.I.P. Steve Goodman and thank you for a great song. Thanx for posting this.
Steve Goodman is beyond doubt a man who passed away before his time. A great songwriter/stylist/guitarist who in my opinion would have made an even greater contribution to music than he already did in his short life.
It is particularly tragic that he died just before the past three decades' rapid advances in the treatment of leukemia and other diseases. I love this song, and I thank everyone for their comments about the composer. RIP, Mr. Goodman.
It's interesting. I, as just about everyone probably, first heard the song when Arlo sang it. I love Arlo's version, and this is one of the few times I've heard another version of a song where I just... might... like the 2nd version I heard (even though it was really first) better. Steve Goodman was wonderful. Every time I've heard Arlo in concert, he always talks about Steve.
Growing up next to the railroad track that went from Kanakee to New Orleans made this song special to me. Road to St Louis on the Train.. I always think of this song when I see a train.
I know we all have our likes and dislikes in all things. My favorite version of this song is by this man, who passed way too young. This is absolutely the best train song ever and he wrote the best country and western song also!!!! You Never Even Called Me By My Name. Steve Goodman was just one of those rare people who God lets us have a glimpse of once in a lifetime. I do miss his talent and genius. Ah! He wrote My Old Man! Cannot listen to that one without tears. One of my top five favorite songwriting singers. Listened to many over my 72 years on this little blue marble and Steve Goodman was just the best!!!!
This is pretty much the perfect song. Nothing forced. Nothing out of place. It just flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The music and lyrics match perfectly.
Perhaps not every American knows this, but this song was also a big hit for another American singer, no, not Arlo, but one who few English speakers have heard of: Jo Dassin was a US native whose career was almost entirely in French. He made a version titled "Salut les Amoureux". This version became a truly planetary hit. Anywhere in the world where there are any French speakers who are over 30, you can still play it and be sure that everyone will join in.
Thank you so much for this post, CaptHollister! I know another of Joe Dassin's songs quite well, but didn't know he'd covered this one. I love this song (both Steve Gioodman and Arlo Guthrie's versions) Thanks to your post, I was able to find the Joe Dassin recording on youtube and it was lovely to hear the French version, too. Merci infiniment. :-)
Except the words are very different. The melody is the same the words are quite different. It is a wonderful song. Salut les amoureux. Many French artists recorded the song.
Thanks Brian for checking in with us. My great grand uncle, D. Harry Hammer was a prominent judge in Chicago in the last part of the 1800's and early 1900's.
Brian, I see an Adrianne K. in my '63 Maine yearbook..?.. I picked up the guitar in high school but never ran into Steve. I'm so sorry that I didn't. I graduated in 63.
Amazing songwriter. I have all of his LP's and they are pretty well worn. I spent my high school years at Amazing Grace in Evanston every chance I got and was fortunate to see Steve several times, as well as the other Chicago folk scene people like Bonnie Koloc, Jim Post and once John Hartford. It was a great time for this type of music.
Steve came West to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, several times. He ....Was.... Wonderful. Monday morning after the Festival, I was pumping gas, and, by golly, Steve Goodman parked across from me to put gas in his pickup, too. I reached across to shake his hand. "You're shaking hands with a zombie, " he said, so I figured he'd had a good Festival too.
First time I’m hearing Steve preform this song He’s a great singer storyteller and love his guitar skills I can understand every word also which I love! I’m singing this song now!
Everyone who knew him said he was the type of guy who could walk into a room full of people and light the place up. He was known to be a warm, funny, and a genuinely caring person who had lots of charisma. I'm not the type of person to by starstruck by celebrities, they have all the same faults and human frailties as anyone else, but I think Steve Goodman was one of those special people, not because of his incredible talent, but because of the type of person he was. I was lucky enough to see him a few times in the 70s, he often played in the Old Town district in North Chicago.
My dad used to work the trains back in the 1950s. He loved this song and always said, "This kid [Steve] really knew trains!" Little details like, "Switching cars in Memphis Tennessee," which was where they actually did switch cars. But also, "The sons of Pullman Porters and the sons of engineers," riding, "Their fathers' magic carpets made of steel." As the top guys on the train, the Pullman Porters and engineers were allowed to bring their kids with them on trips. It was not unusual for those children to ride with their dads during summer holidays. Details like that add so much to the story. I am grateful to my late dad for sharing, and to Steve for writing so beautifully to begin with.
I always used to wonder about those lines, thanks for explaining
Thanks so much for sharing these details. They add to my love of the song.
This version is not very good. Listen to the live version of it sung by The Highwaymen (Cash, Jennings, Nelson and Kristofferson). It is WAY better.
I heard one account that this was a protest song about Amtrack taking over passenger rail service and Steve knew it would never be the same again. A song about a dying era.
Listen closely, he says, "magic carpets it's made of steam" here, though he sang it both ways at different times.
Regarding the comment about other versions being better than this one, l beg to differ. Those versions are OK but too commercial IMHO Steve wrote the song and does it best. To each his own.
Best Version- Performance of a Lifetime- R.I.P Steve Goodman- were still thinking of you.. 2024-and Forever!
Ditto
❤❤❤
So hard to believe he’s been gone forty years!
This man belongs in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Well seeing as he wrote the perfect Country And Western song, maybe he belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame. JMHO
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Performer Hall of Fame, Good Guy Hall of Fame - There aren’t enough. I miss him.
Steve could not be pigeonholed in any particular genre... except maybe folk music because his lyrics usually told a story. He was a great singing story teller, better than Woody Guthrie.
I think he deserved a Nobel Prize...
@@Charliecomet82 Unfortunately I don't believe Nobel Prizes are given posthumously. But if Dylan won one, why not Steve Goodman? Many similarities, both nice Jewish boys from the midwest... OK, it probably ends there LOL.
My grandfather was an engineer on the B&O. He died when my dad was 16. I never met him, but I have his gold Elgin pocket watch and his shaving cup, which I use almost every day.
Wikipedia says Steve was exactly who he appeared to be: an ambitious, well-adjusted man from a loving, middle-class Jewish home in the Chicago suburbs, whose life and talent were directed by the physical pain and time constraints of a fatal disease which he kept at bay, at times, seemingly by willpower alone . Steve lived as normal a life as possible, only he had to live it as fast as he could. May I add .. thank you for his life and talent which has lasted so long after his sad early death in this iconic song never sung better than by he himself here. Peace to him and all that pass this way.
I had no idea. Thank you, from Toronto ☮
peace be with him
NO SUCH "THING" AS A "JEW" ... HE WAS 100% ISRAELITE!
😢
Thank you so much for this history-- and Thank you Steve Goodman for creating this wonderful song!!
Stevie Goodman was my friend and pal in the day. He and his music meant so much to my life.
It’s so strange. I was struggling with my own song writing and artistic tribulations earlier and I just couldn’t get the refrain of this song out of my head. I’d only heard it from an infomercial from the early 90s for 70s hits and just suddenly remembered it all these years later. I had to look up who sang it and hear it. Arlo Guthrie brought me to Steve Goodman who I’d never heard of. I’m so glad that song came to me after only hearing the chorus more than 30 years ago. It’s strange but it opened up the door just now to so much great music. God speaks to us in unexpected ways.
Go cubs go.
Hey Chicago what do ya say .. the cubs are gonna win today.
Did you do him?
RIP Steve, you've written the best railroad song ever 👍
Well theres others to be sure like The Wabash cannon Ball and the famous Orange Blossom special but he certainly wrote the best baseball song.
I like also “Driver 8” by REM
I’m partial to Raised by the Railroad Line too
Steve and Prine are now reunited again to wrire songs for eternity
My grandfather worked in the mail car on the City of New Orleans train and this song carries a lot of meaning for me.
Do you also like the Willie Nelson version?
Maybe Steve and John Prine are playing and singing together again.
RIP John
Amen. Glad they can play together again. God must have wanted this.
Mike Muldowney, were they too good to stay with us? Thank God they were here with us for a time.
Amen Angels are Singing ! ol man way down in TX JD
@@mikemuldowney9029 No, God would not have taken them from their families at that age. (John had some young sons still.)
Long live Steve Goodman! He wrote the best train song ever. No one will ever write a better train song.
thanks John. Those who try know how difficult it is.
He wrote the perfect country song too :)
Bucket list, ride this train.
Unfortunately Steve didn't live but his contributions sure will.
Definitely! People try, though! My late husband wrote New York Central Yard - a really good train song - and Steve Goodman was such an influencd on him, as was John Prine. Sadly he also died, in 1986, and his friends and others keep the song alive, and keep Goodman and Prine songs alive as well!
An underappreciated American treasure who left us too soon.
The good ones die young.
@@2148aa Lord I hope not....
Best train song that exists.
A special place in heaven for song-writing poets: Steve Goodman, Paul Simon, Kris Kristofferson, Leonard Cohen.
Plus John Prine
@@ROLSEKOPP12 Whew--absolutely. Thank you for adding. Agreed completely.
I am quite persuaded after many years of diverse consideration, that Mr. Steve Goodman's lyrics are among the most poignant, most significant to arise out of post WWII USAmerican culture. This is one of those rarest of gems, a truly original contribution to music, poetry and the spirit of North American Culture. I count Mr. Goodman among the Culture Saints, c.f. Leonard Cohen, What is a a Saint? Thank you for your contribution, Mr. Goodman, wherever you may be, my dear friend who I never met in flesh. Rest well.
I would add Goodman's best friend and song writing partner, John Prine to that list.
Cheers!
@@Christophe_L I am sorry; Arlo gave it a great cover and made it his but it was not written by Mr. Guthrie.
@@JR-ou4cu You're absolutely right. I apologise.
@@gerryclemons9654 Without question.
I'm touched to finally hear how this song ought to be played and sung. Sad to hear Steve Goodman left us so early.
I met Steve and got a personal concert from him on board a TRAIN!! Steve was campaigning on the Muskie Train, when Sen. Ed Muskie was campaigning for President in Florida back in ' 72. No one knew Steve Armstrong or his song. This was years before Kristofferson and Arlo Guthrie made it famous. One of the TOP MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.
Guthrie had his hit with this in '72.
This has got be be my favorite version of this song I have ever heard. I love how he is playing this faster than most I have heard. The upbeat tempo gives it a different feeling.
I always felt Arlo Guthrie's version was completely over- produced. The lyrics spoke of the simple beauty and nostalgic love of a train ride and the people who road it.
The orchestral production, while commercially effective, was like flocking a naturally beautiful Christmas tree.
My Photography mentor and,
" big brother ", P Michael O' Sullivan, shot the cover for Steve's, " Somebody Else's Troubles " . I was fortunate to call friends, most of the people , on that album cover ( I never met Steve's wife ).
They were special people who could make you feel Iike you were special .
The post office I go to was renamed the " Steve Goodman Branch ", after he passed away.
There is a display of Goodman memorabilia, as you enter the building. It always makes smile, to see the photos, album covers, etc. He was one of a kind. God bless, Steve. Thank you for the magical beauty of your music 🙏🙏
@@jackmongan1410 I agree, it's a front porch song, if you have to add something maybe a harmonica and a fiddle or mandolin.
He’s almost strumming a train drum beat. So cool.
Listening on the train to LA. Been waiting decades to listen to this while riding the rails. RIP Steve.
We were in high school together. The world lost a real talent and a fine person when he died.
I see 8 Schroeders in my 1963 Maine yearbook. I took up guitar in high school and still plink around a bit, but never bumped into Steve. I'm sorry I didn't.
The last time I rode a train was on a trip from New York to New Orleans in 1960. I was 5 years old and I became lost from my Mother and my other brothers and sister in the train station, as the trains were boarding and were about to pull away. A sailor in uniform found me and took me by each window of each train car until my Mother looked out and saw me. I never felt that feeling of disconnect again until the moment my Mom died 5 years ago. I heard this song when it first became a hit while I was 17 still in high school. I am 62, and will remember that trip, the smell of the interior of the 'pullman' train car, and riding through the towns and farms and fields of America, as long as I live.
great story ! I was 5 in 1958 born in NO and my mother and father were divorcing and I was going to live in Mississippi with my grandparents . My dad put me on the train and I was very upset and and I went to the window looking to aee my dad , but I could only see the engineer in another train and he saw me and he waved at me because he could see that I was upset and I waved back and the big train with the red stripe rolled north to the Mississippi sunrise . I didnt see my dad for 12 years . Poignant memories .
what a beautiful and magical story, James. That man could voice healing even in the terrible times of despair. He knew what was happening in our world before he died. He sang it through his own physical pain abd gave us this gift. Even though it truly is "good night America," Steve sings in hope despite it.. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and moving story.
His eyes are sparkling and so alive.
**you can see the smart in his eyes**
I rode the "Huminnbird" From Louisville to Nashville, in 1962., I was four years old. I remember the service. Black Men, in white coats. They were so gracious .The trip taught me at a young age' that difference, does not matter, difference is what makes our life, magnificent. .We are all children of God. Riding the rails, in this life.
Beautifully said
Without doubt the original and best!
One of the best songs ever written.
Indeed!
Anybody out there understand how important this mans contribution is???
Every bit as much as woodies or Mr Petes
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I do Bob!
Well he did write The Perfect Country and Western Song (and it's not even this one!)
Jan Hammer Jan are you from Carteret NJ by any chance and a super Elvis Presley fan? Just curious that’s all.
Hooooaaaahhh!!!
Cancer sucks! Thanks for that song. Always loved it!
This is my favorite version-the songwriter’s interpretation is so true to the lyric. He’s so joyful when he sings it-it’s infectious! Beautiful voice too!
Both my Grandfathers worked on the Illinois Central early in the last century. One was an engineer the other a fireman.
RIP Padraig and Potsie!
I think I've watched this video at least 20 times. It just hits a spot few other songs do. I would put this in the top five songs that define the Americana genre.
Mike McKinney 100% agree!
My favorite is "A Dying Cub's Fan's Last Request" I got to see steve a couple times at a little venue in Huntington Beach, The Golden Bear.
Mike McKinney I totally agree. Steve was a friend of mine but I would STILL say this if he wasn’t.
Great song writer
Amen!
Listening to the Arlo Guthrie version and decided to look up the song writer. Glad I did. Song writers don’t get much credit. I read a bio on him. He was an amazing guy and what a beautiful voice.
The older I get, now 62, the more great artists I know and love are no longer here, it is trully sad.
Don't know if it's supposed to, but every time I hear this song I tear up (well maybe sometimes crying). I love this song and I love his version so much.
Steve Goodman got some much deserved posthumous recognition when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016. Many people from outside Chicago heard "Go Cubs Go" for the first time and were fascinated to learn it was written by the same artist who wrote "City of New Orleans."
Covid 19 brought me here while social distancing. Where would this man be today if he hadn’t become ill. Reminds me of a young Paul Simon.
i saw arlo do this in nashville a few night ago... he still talks lovingly about steve... and i damn near cried when arlo sang it..,
So happy that he paid tribute to Goodman.. some think that Arlo wrote that song, it’s great that he sets the record straight. John Prine always gives him credit when he sings one of his songs.
@@Mjburns22 and John Prine always dedicated 'Souvenirs' to Steve when he performed it. It was a great duet song for them when Steve was alive.
To see it played and hear it sung as it was in his heart, thank you.
Some genius song writers leave us way too soon.
You bet! God wants this song!
My gosh, it's hard to believe Steve's been gone 34 years now. What a talent! A true "Native Son".
The original is still the best. Grew up with this version back in the 70's. R.I.P. Steve Goodman and thank you for a great song. Thanx for posting this.
Steve Goodman is beyond doubt a man who passed away before his time. A great songwriter/stylist/guitarist who in my opinion would have made an even greater contribution to music than he already did in his short life.
Just like Hank williams. died at 29.
Stevie would have been 69 years old today...well missed.
Imagine what he could have created.
I worked for the Earl of Old Town, where Steve and John Prine both got their start...
Steve's daughter, Rosanna, is working on a documentary film about her father.
It is particularly tragic that he died just before the past three decades' rapid advances in the treatment of leukemia and other diseases. I love this song, and I thank everyone for their comments about the composer. RIP, Mr. Goodman.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST RENDITION BY ITS AUTHOR! ALL THE REST IS COMPROMISED CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice to hear the writer's phrasing.
That is just exactly the reason to go to the source. !!!
It's interesting. I, as just about everyone probably, first heard the song when Arlo sang it. I love Arlo's version, and this is one of the few times I've heard another version of a song where I just... might... like the 2nd version I heard (even though it was really first) better. Steve Goodman was wonderful. Every time I've heard Arlo in concert, he always talks about Steve.
The best train song ever written- and there have been many. This tops them all.
Fabulous needs more recognition
Ja, so einen Song schreibt man nur einmal im Leben ....auch wenn du viel zu früh gegangen bist....bleibst du für immer!!!
Thanks for posting this! This man was a treasure to humanity. He left us WAY to soon.
RUclips has blessed me with another person
He was adorable. Will always love and remember Steve Goodman.
Thanks Lynn for checking in with us.
What an incredible musician. The rhythm of the music really played the words. The epitome of musicianship!
Steve's timid delivery always charms me. Hope he and John Prine are having a good time tonight
Growing up next to the railroad track that went from Kanakee to New Orleans made this song special to me. Road to St Louis on the Train.. I always think of this song when I see a train.
What a cherubic, unassuming song writer he was.....
Wally Norlander )
Steve Goodman was just that. A Good Man.
God gave us this special gift. Because it was so special he only let us have it for a short period. We are very grateful for that time.
Fantastic song . RIP Steve Goodman.
Love how Arlo Guthrie slowed the rhythm .
I know we all have our likes and dislikes in all things. My favorite version of this song is by this man, who passed way too young. This is absolutely the best train song ever and he wrote the best country and western song also!!!! You Never Even Called Me By My Name. Steve Goodman was just one of those rare people who God lets us have a glimpse of once in a lifetime. I do miss his talent and genius. Ah! He wrote My Old Man! Cannot listen to that one without tears. One of my top five favorite songwriting singers. Listened to many over my 72 years on this little blue marble and Steve Goodman was just the best!!!!
Hi Thomas. Thanks for visiting the channel.
Saw him at Armadillo World Headquarters. He touched my life then and still does today. Good Night America!
So Good-man! So Good!
This is pretty much the perfect song. Nothing forced. Nothing out of place. It just flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The music and lyrics match perfectly.
Are you saying that Steve Goodman wrote the perfect country song? 😉 😂
@@PaulZavasky-jl8ik Well, I guess I am saying that, lol. Hell, it seems he’s written two perfect country songs.
Always smiling even though he was ill. Made the most of a short life.
Still here in 2020 playing on repeat. No version as good this has been recorded.
One of the very best songs ever. Like the top 10 in existence.
maybe 5, even
Perhaps not every American knows this, but this song was also a big hit for another American singer, no, not Arlo, but one who few English speakers have heard of: Jo Dassin was a US native whose career was almost entirely in French. He made a version titled "Salut les Amoureux". This version became a truly planetary hit. Anywhere in the world where there are any French speakers who are over 30, you can still play it and be sure that everyone will join in.
Thank you so much for this post, CaptHollister! I know another of Joe Dassin's songs quite well, but didn't know he'd covered this one. I love this song (both Steve Gioodman and Arlo Guthrie's versions) Thanks to your post, I was able to find the Joe Dassin recording on youtube and it was lovely to hear the French version, too. Merci infiniment. :-)
Except the words are very different. The melody is the same the words are quite different. It is a wonderful song. Salut les amoureux. Many French artists recorded the song.
Steve & John will be singing up a storm somewhere in the beyond.
This is one of the few songs that goes deep into your soul and stays there forever.
My brother went to Grammar School and High School with Steve...he was also the head of the Choir at Temple Beth Israel in Chicago...
Thanks Brian for checking in with us. My great grand uncle, D. Harry Hammer was a prominent judge in Chicago in the last part of the 1800's and early 1900's.
Did Steve graduate from Maine East, class of 65? My daughter's father graduated then
Brian,
I see an Adrianne K. in my '63 Maine yearbook..?..
I picked up the guitar in high school but never ran into Steve. I'm so sorry that I didn't.
I graduated in 63.
Amazing songwriter. I have all of his LP's and they are pretty well worn. I spent my high school years at Amazing Grace in Evanston every chance I got and was fortunate to see Steve several times, as well as the other Chicago folk scene people like Bonnie Koloc, Jim Post and once John Hartford. It was a great time for this type of music.
I sure miss this guy.
Thanks Milton for visiting the channel.
Steve came West to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, several times. He ....Was.... Wonderful.
Monday morning after the Festival, I was pumping gas, and, by golly, Steve Goodman parked across from me to put gas in his pickup, too. I reached across to shake his hand.
"You're shaking hands with a zombie, " he said, so I figured he'd had a good Festival too.
Sounds like a response i would give
Where's the tequila
First time I’m hearing Steve preform this song
He’s a great singer storyteller and love his guitar skills I can understand every word also which I love! I’m singing this song now!
there was such a pure beauty about this man. thanks for posting.
What a nice voice !!! He looks like a really nice guy.
Everyone who knew him said he was the type of guy who could walk into a room full of people and light the place up. He was known to be a warm, funny, and a genuinely caring person who had lots of charisma. I'm not the type of person to by starstruck by celebrities, they have all the same faults and human frailties as anyone else, but I think Steve Goodman was one of those special people, not because of his incredible talent, but because of the type of person he was.
I was lucky enough to see him a few times in the 70s, he often played in the Old Town district in North Chicago.
Man he sure has a contented enjoyment look on his face so ing this beautiful song.. love it
a legend before during and after he blessed us with his presence on this old dusty marble we call earth!
You bet! Great!
This Steve guy is going places man
Gd bless you Steve. The most beautiful song of the 70's.
Just a great guy
you bet!
What a beautiful song and a beautiful man.
You bet! God wanted him!
This is such a great song. Idk why. It just is. One of my top all time faves. Arlo sure ran with it. His is my fave
Towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream great line
Brilliant guitar playing that really matches a train song.
Steve! You are one of the best und this song will remain in our hearts 'till the end of times. Rest In Peace, my friend. Chuck
Thanks Chuck for checking in with us.
Never would have known Arlo did Not write this!
Love Steve!! My heart breaks everytime.
Two years ago we rode down from Memphis to New Orleans. Memories to last a lifetime. God bless Steve. 🇬🇧❤️
Such a beautifully talented person. Thank you Steve Goodman.
It brings tears to my eyes to hear this song and that he died so young
Move over, Arlo. THE best version on the planet. R.I.P., Steve.
I've always loved hearing this song; I taught myself how to play it and now it's part of my performance repertoire.
What a pup and he wrote the one of the best songs ever.
So many good versions of this great song, but Steve Goodman's was the best.
Steve Goodman what a great song, John Denver did a nice version as well god bless you both for many great songs
A great story teller who left us way to soon, RIP Steve😔
My uncle who rides Amtrak all the time introduced me to this song and its the only version I really listen too. Steve Goodman will be missed.
Nothing like hearing the songwriters version... they know how it was supposed to be sang better than anyone.
Simply outstanding!
I've seen Arlo.
The highway men, but Steve goodmàns is the best,most pure.
Steve Goodman would have been a household name even nowadays if he would have lived he was so full of energy