One of the best railroad songs ever written. Brings a tear to my eyes. I lived it as a freight conductor on the Santa Fe and BNSF. I hired out August 18, 1979 and retired September 30, 2019 with a little over 40 years of service. I saw a lot of changes in that 40 years.
Awesome. My friend is an engineer for NS. hes bee. There a while. Started in the yard then conductor then engineer. Loves his job. Hes single no kids so its a bit easier for him.
This song by Steve Goodman, made perfect by Arlo Guthrie is fantastic. The imagery with Pete Segger playing background. This song is frankly perfect and in my opinion defines American folk songs. My prayer is all the young, "Swiftys" will somehow discover great music like this. Thankyou Steve Goldman and Arlo Guthrie. This is an American treasure.
Freight yards full of old black men, My uncle was one of those men , Unk worked for Union pacific and made a very good living .this was back in the fifty's folk, Yes I love this song, it's personal.
This song sounded great when first recorded. Sounds great today. I predict it will sound good in 500 years. Yes a very rich period of fantastic music. We were blessed.
In 1962 my best friend and I rode the City of New Orleans from Memphis to the Big Easy to celebrate high school graduation & rode the Panama Limited back to Memphis. This song brings back fond memories.
@@roadrunner3867 God bless you for serving our nation. Some of us are forever grateful for the sacrifices our service people made on behalf of our country and its people.
i went to navy C school in Memphis. 1960. rode the train to Chicago. then the Empire Builder home to Portland. don't know if it was Panama Limited north to Chicago.
I wish they still made music like this. I am lucky to have grown up listening in an era of the best music ever recorded. God bless, all of you who enjoy this piece.
My Dad was a railroader and loved this song, he like Arlo's version the best and bought a .45 record of it so he could play it any time he wanted. He died in 1973 not long after this was released. He was still working and never got to retire, pneumonia took him in a few days. So every time I heard this song I think of him and my eyes fill up with tears. Mom was from a RR family too so I grew riding and loving trains.
here I am seven years later than your post...and it's true: It doesn't get any better than this! I was feeling so "blah" and now I'm SINGING and HAPPY!
This piece is an anthem, not just a song and not just a performance, wonderful as they both are. There is nothing comperable. I am 85 years old and highly educatef snd i am fighting back tears as i write.
My dad rode the rails during the Great Depression. As a child he regaled me with tales of how to hop a boxcar, how he ate and survived on the road, his encounters with the Wobblies (Workers of the World), etc. This song always makes me think of him. May he R.I.P.
@Eric Engbloom what a story with a warm heart i honor him with a tost and glad you got to learn from him with a tost for history should not be lost to the sands of time
Yeah me too he hit the road after getting out of reform school for borrowing a car with his buddy Odell Johnson they went everywhere and then he did five years in the infantry in WW2; and I did my thing too as a grunt in Nam and thirty five years of hanging on the side of boxcars as a brakeman and conductor.I never get tired of this song because I loved going always had my bag packed when they called.It sure was fun out there all night long.
@Eric Engbloom I don’t think you need to trade your soul for Grandpas. If there is a God worthy of the name, He knows how much each of us can stand before losing faith. If we are tested beyond that point, then He knows that and it isn’t something we will be punished for. Instead, my hopes are that on the other side, God will be compassionate and maybe explain to us why life had to be so damn hard.
I’ve always loved this song. It tells a story and you feel like your riding on the train and things are so peaceful and you have no cares. I usually listen to it late at night and just imagine the peaceful clacking of the wheels on the track.
I'm a military veteran and this song got me through Iraqi Freedom...I would listen to it every morning before my mission and would think about my beautiful country -- the USA. This song gave me the spirit, strength and courage to face each mission! Wow -- thank you sir!!
The best danged pop, folk, country, feel good song ever written and sung by the best singer to sing it. The perfect singer to sing it! Best version ever could be!
My wife and I had the pleasure of riding from Chicago to New Orleans, and back again, on this train. When we came into Chicago on the return trip this song was playing for us. It was great.
My great grandfather ,who was born in 1864, was an engineer for the Rock Island Lines and was the first 50 year member in the country of the Railroad Engineers. Union.This song always makes me think of him.I was six years old when he died.
Now this here's a story about the Rock Island Line Well, the Rock Island Line, she runs down into New Orleans There's a big tollgate down there and you know If you got certain things on board when you go through the tollgate Well, you don't have to pay the man no toll Well, a train driver he pulled up to the tollgate And a man hollered and asked him what all he had on board and said I got livestock I got livestock I got cows I got pigs I got sheep I got mules I got all live stock Well, he said, "You alright boy? You don't have to pay no toll You can just go right on through, " so, he went on through the tollgate And as he went through, he started pickin' up a little bit of speed Pickin' up a little bit of steam He got on through, he turned and looked back at the man, he said Well, I fooled you I fooled you I got pig iron I got pig iron I got old pig iron Down the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line Looked cloudy in the west and it looked like rain Round the curve came a passenger train North bound train on a southbound track He's alright a leavin', but he won't be back Well, the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line Oh, I may be right and I may be wrong But you're gonna miss me when I'm gone Well, the engineer said before he died There were two more drinks that he'd like to try The conductor said, "What could they be?" A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea Well, the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Lin
As a former railroader who handed train orders up to the modern day City Of New Orleans, this song holds a special place in my heart and memories. The City would fly by me standing 6’ away from it, and blow dust in my happy face! ❤️
This is another great example of the Guthrie family tradition of keeping it going. Arlo's son on keyboards, his granddaughters on backup vocals. Hopefully we can keep of the great tradition through another generation
The poetry of the lyrics is astounding. You can picture the whole journey, feel the wheels yourself, see the old black men, the babes asleep, and the rhythm of the rails is all you'll feel.
Exactly! I remember riding the old trains when I was a kid ... one of the final trips of the Wabash Cannonball was one of them. Three kids from St. Louis Mo. to Saline Mich. The old cars still had wooden bench seats. The rhythm of this song is just like the rhythm of the rails...I have always loved this song! I guess I'm kinda showing my age🤫
I actually rode this train from Chicago to Memphis. When we got there at around 7am the first place we went to was the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot. I don't know who makes these decisions but they left that place exactly the same as it was that day. even those two cars in the parking lot are still there. Amazing. And that's a really good song.
I am 66. I have heard alot of songs. In my opinion this is the best song I have ever heard. The imagery is fantastic and I agree no one can sing this song like Arlo. This is musical perfection
Steve Goodman was a great song writer who sadly left us way too soon. So glad Arlo is carrying this song to future generations. I can't think of anyone better suited to do so.This is a work of true poetry Americana.
Love this song. My dad was a locomotive engineer - 42 years workin’ on the railroad. I just love trains, still to this day. Railroads brought this country together, from coast to coast, for better or worse. Railroads are the fabric of this country. Everyone owes it to themselves to do a cross country rail trip before it is too late and there aren’t any passenger trains left.
I was a contractor for Conrail...long gone now. Used to play this song on the way to the jobs in the morning. Made me feel like I belonged there. The railroads will come and go but this song will be around forever.
totally understand. my dad worked for Terminal RR their name is too true. still love and miss Dad and trains are still here. i heard the City of New Orleans crashed into a 18 wheeler . i felt the need to find out what's going happen to her wrecked lol at myself. the train is of course still in service (haven't checked recently). the train's engine cars didn't appear to be damaged much. considering what the 18 wheeler experienced
I agree. My Grandfather was an Engineer on the Southern Pacific. My Grandmother's BIL, and his son, were also rr men. Everytime I hear this song I think of them. I've always thought of this as an anthem for them and the families of rr emplyees.
Both my Grandfathers were railroaders on the IC. One was an engineer and the other a fireman in the old days of steam. I was blessed to have the opportunity to ride the City of New Orleans back when I was in the Navy in 1966. It wasn't a steam train; but still was the City of New Orleans!
A timeless classic sang by an immortal. I had the honor and pleasure to see he perform it. Not only was he there, but so was John Prime. I felt so blessed!!!
WHY IS STEVE GOODMAN'S NAME NOT PLACED RIGHT NEXT TO ARLO'S ? Without HIS efforts, Arlo's would never have existed...SONGWRITERS UNITE PLEASE AND DO SOMETHNG ABOUT THIS? And Steve Goodman, RIP Mr. Goodman- Your contribution to humanity was/and still is/ IMMENCE! We all remember Pete Seeger, too; But why does his name get printed BEFORE the composer's ? This could have easily been titled ( and a bit more accurately too) " Arlo Guthrie Sings Steve Goodman's Original with Pete Seeger!"
What, you need talent? Sorry, I'm Canadian. We only have marketed talent like Bjeber and Dion....the money makers. It's really special to see two of the best musical storytellers, Arnold and Pete, together. Thanks to RUclips for making all this stuff available. For 15 bucks a month, what a deal!!!
@paulmathless642 You are correct. Murray is very good, just not my type. However, at least she didn't ditch Canada and go to the states for the big bucks.
"...and the sons of old men porters, the sons of engineers, ride their father's magic carpets made of steel..." Every. Single. Time. I break out in tears, a 4th generation railroader in my youth, feeling the ghosts of loved ones passed surrounding me with those notes and words. What a blessing of tears...
C’mon man, you’re a railroader, you know it’s “sons of Pullman porters.” I’m truly sorry to be nitpicking but they are a vanished breed who should be remembered.
Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up! God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois! I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
I’m listening to this on the weekend marking my dad’s passing six years ago, and thanking the stars for his sharing his love of all music with me. We sang this one together many times. Miss you, Daddykins, but so grateful. So grateful.
Such a great classic song of the 70's, that will live forever, far better than what we hear today, in the 21 century. Sorry folks, I grew up in the 60's, where music, was the best music to listen to, thank God!
My wife loves this song because her father was a chef on the railroad in the days before they stopped passenger trains . But he had the Chicago to La run. She also got to ride on the train just a times . Love the sound of the train and she wants passengers trains to come back!
I had the amazing good fortune (in spite of the unfortunate circumstances), to be introduced to Arlo Guthrie. This serendipitous event took place in the fall of 1972 in Austin, Texas. Arlo was in town to perform and he was the guest of the people with whom I shared a house at the time. I was bed ridden with two broken legs at the time (following a car accident after a Pink Floyd concert) - but that's a whole other story. I spent nine months with both legs in (old style) heavy plaster casts and one of the ways I spent my time was to play my guitar. Arlo came in my room around dinner time. He sat at the foot of my bed with his guitar and he taught me how to play this song. So yeah! I got to strum along and learn the lyrics from the man himself. I have lots of cool memories from throughout my life but that is one of my favorite.
@@omnimatty I was living in San Antonio at the time and I was invited by my roommates to go with them to see Pink Floyd perform in Austin. After the concert, I fell asleep on the back seat of the car and Elaine, one of my roommates was at the wheel. She fell asleep and we crashed. There is more to the story but that's the bulk of it.
This is a true gem! God, this live version is even better than the studio recording! Not very often you can claim that! And Arlo just kills that piano part! "Through the Mississippi Darkness Rollin' Down to the Sea" may be one of the best set-the-beat lyrics ever written! Steve Goodman's great, wonderful song is just perfect. The band and backup singers are superb! Everyone, including the entire audience is just so happy to play and sing along! WOW!
Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up! God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois! I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections .
It makes me very happy that Arlo tells this story about Steve, who was so modest that when he performed the song he didn't even mention that he was the original songwriter. Everybody thought he was covering Arlo's song.
@@ikeane0 Yep -- Al Bunetta had to advise him to let people know it was his song. And I say, especially when people like John Denver were taking credit for it. One of the few times on record that nice guy Steve Goodman got angry.
The French version is better, well we very close at least. You might like them, although French, is an acquired taste to the anglophone ear, or for me it was, I studied French songs when I learned the language and I'm now in love with a lot of French Songs. The French lyrics needed to be changed to fit melody but they speak of universal human experiences, so it's a quality song. It's about a couple who are breaking up, they probably don't want to split, but they know it has to happen, so it's an amicable break up. As they are saying their final good-byes, of course human nature kicks in and all the happy memories flood their minds, and they again taste the love they knew at the begging; they don't want to do this. But they time for talk has passed. As they go their separate way's they they take their final walk together to that proverbial split in the road.On that final walk. they pass a bakery/coffee shop on the way. And "la patron du café " the shop owner who knows them, sees them and waves to them and shouts "Salut Les Amoureux!" ( Hello Lovers"), of coure not knowing what's happening, and further throwing sal into the wound.. Anyway, the guy who sang it in French, Joe Dassin, has a nice deep voice voice. It really sounds good, even to an English ear. There's also a version but two French chicks, "Les Frangines" which l absolutely love ( their harmonies are cool) and the Frangines make Guthry's voice sound like he singing with a lacerated tongue and a broken Jaw ( I think Guthry sings horrible). Sorry for the dissertation. I can never say it simply. I'll bet you would like these two French covers. It's alway cool to discover a great new ( old) song. ruclips.net/video/dozLCl5cETs/видео.html, or check they two chicks out, they're harmonies are great and they are current, they are active now. They actually sing and play...No electronic smoothing out mistakes. ruclips.net/video/ua6NYcTzbfY/видео.html Bonne chance.
I had forgotten how good a song this is, and how well Arlo Guthrie sang it. Classic, timeless, and so very enduring. This will remain with us, long after most current music will be gone.
*You say that same crap on EVERY 'thread' of 'How I was in Viet-Nam when I heard this song* ( *You say the same 'made-up' crap about ANY song from '65 to '75!* ) *YOU ARE A LIAR!*
Both of my Grandfathers worked for the Illinois Central. One was a fireman; the other an engineer. Many years later, I rode the City of New Orleans. I chatter with the engineer while waiting for the train to leave New Orleans. I was invited to ride part of the trip up in the engine. It was really neat. Of course this was way, way before 9/11.
Your grandfathers were what they call railroaders as I am 1 too - after I got out of the army in 71 I worked for the CNW/UP in the office then took a nice buyout - then latched on to a company that owned a few short lines and retired in 2009 and receive a very nice pension to boot.
So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! RIP Mr. Guthrie; possibly in memories of " Alice's Restaurant, "right ? (That's peculiar, Google Spell Check doesn't recognize the word "reminess ?" Maybe not funny at all, right?
I was a long haul cattle hauler.im 58. Grew up in trucks my whole life. On the farm. Truckers don't like trains. This song inspired me 41 year's ago.500 miles overnight, naaaa 900 miles overnight in a Pete.Rodnocker baby
I was on the City of New Orleans from Memphis to New Orleans and played this the whole time! Not sure other passengers appreciated it but I loved it !!!!!
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I was born in Geneva, Illinois. We lived there in a home immediately adjacent to a corn field. My Father took the commuter train to and from his job in Chicago, and he rode the city of New Orleans from time to time. This song shreds me to ribbons every last time.
Hello Jayne Favri, This is my personal account where I get to talk with people I find interesting on my page, You drew my attention with your lovely comment👆🏻!
I grew up in Mississippi and lived near the Illinois Central Rail line. I watched the City of New Orleans roll by many a time. Even though it's been over 50 years ago, this song always brings me back to my youth. I will always love this song.
Because of this song, “The City of New Orleans” is remembered, but there was another passenger train traveling in the other direction, “The Panama Limited!” I grew up literally next to the ICRR AND COULD SLEEP UNTIL THE TRAIN CAME BY MY HOME!
Some are songwriters, too! Wakes me gently many mornings !Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up! God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois! I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
This song brings back so many memories. I grew up in Memphis and rode this train every summer as a kid to see my grandparents who would pick me up at the train station in Hammond La. This song makes me smile and takes me back to a simpler time.
My friend had the pleasure of sitting next to your dad in court in Massachusetts . My friend got caught being overweight with his truck. THIS has just GOT to be the great rendition of this song EVER. I cry whenever I hear it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the tears. There IS no music like this ANYMORE. WONDERFUL 👏😢 😢😢
I hadn't heard this song in years and I played it about 6 months ago and I can't quit playing it I forgot all about it Arlo Guthrie is the only one who can sing this song
This always makes me remember my dad and the stories he told me of when he worked replacing ties fo r the local RR. An uncle worked as YardMaster in Ithaca for a while. Nowadays, most of the tracks have been removed. 😢 I enjoy Arlo's telling the intro and his special style of music. God bless you all.
Brings a tear to my eyes when I think of how early we lost Steve Goodman. One of the best CUBS fans ever. I am sure he was there when the CUBS finally won the World Series.
My wife and I met Arlo one morning in a Hilton hotel in Flagstaff, AZ,where he was performing. She asked if she could take a picture of him and me and he couldn't have been nicer. Spent about ten minutes talking with him. A truly memorable moment for us.!
I'm a comedian and I've learned so much from watching Arlo's videos about how to tell a story and how to work a crowd. I saw an interview with him one time and he told the interviewer, "When someone leaves one of my shows, I want them to feel a little bit better about themselves." He's a master at that. If you're interested my RUclips channel is either Eric Warnock or 99 Cent Comedian. Yeah, I know, it's a cheap plug, but what are you going to do.
My Uncle was a Conductor on the Atlantic Coast Line. The memories of those trips are still as clear as when l was travelling. Steam Locomotive, stops to take on water and sights to see along the way. I still have a ticket that l bought, but didn't use. It is a treasure.
I wondered about his tenor voice classification while listening to his song for the first time in 40 yrs. It has such clarity to it. So glad I was able to find it, to enjoy it again. It has such sweet memories for me. Thanks so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Daughter of a carmen on southern railroad . Just rock back and forth you will feel the music and that sway of the car on the rails. Thanks Arlo brings back my travel memories with my parents on the Southern Crescent to New Orleans. Do not flush the toilet while the train is standing at the station. Remember that old sign.
I'd much rather feel the "rockin'" than turbulence in the air! Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up! God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois! I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
Steve Goodman WAS A GOD of Music!! From Arlo to David Allen Coe, he wrote for them all and nobody really ever appreciated that. Rest easy Steve, and sing it to the Angels!!!!
I was 18 teen in the Navy when this song came, I can shut my eyes and still see the day I heard it Just got my A school classes, Did go and change when straight to the E.M club Got me a pitcher beer and four shots made my self a large Boilermaker Then this song came on. Hell of a night!
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Glad you let him buy you that beer....
RIP Steve Goodman. 50 years later and your songs still matter.
One of the best railroad songs ever written. Brings a tear to my eyes. I lived it as a freight conductor on the Santa Fe and BNSF. I hired out August 18, 1979 and retired September 30, 2019 with a little over 40 years of service. I saw a lot of changes in that 40 years.
God bless ya sir.
32 years Conductor with UPRR. Saw every mile of rail from LA to Dillon Montana.
One of my favorite songs!!!
Awesome. My friend is an engineer for NS. hes bee. There a while. Started in the yard then conductor then engineer. Loves his job. Hes single no kids so its a bit easier for him.
My grandfather was a driver on the Waverley Line between Carlisle and Edinburgh. God bless America!
This song by Steve Goodman, made perfect by Arlo Guthrie is fantastic. The imagery with Pete Segger playing background. This song is frankly perfect and in my opinion defines American folk songs. My prayer is all the young, "Swiftys" will somehow discover great music like this. Thankyou Steve Goldman and Arlo Guthrie. This is an American treasure.
Amen
Amen & ABSOFRICKENLUTELY!!!!!!
Copy that!
couldn't agree more my friend.
I just love this song. America might not be perfect. But, we can sure make good music that will be played forever.
Freight yards full of old black men, My uncle was one of those men , Unk worked for Union pacific and made a very good living .this was back in the fifty's folk, Yes I love this song, it's personal.
And yet everyone now days calls this song racist.
¹
wow...was i ever wrong! I never understood it...thought it was GRAVEYARDS FULL OF OLD BLACK MEN!.......YIKES
Its personal to me too, and I am white as a Canadians bum!
@@leewatkins1610 there actually is a cut that uses "grave yards". It was pulled from the radio and is rare to find these days.
This song sounded great when first recorded. Sounds great today. I predict it will sound good in 500 years. Yes a very rich period of fantastic music. We were blessed.
In 1962 my best friend and I rode the City of New Orleans from Memphis to the Big Easy to celebrate high school graduation & rode the Panama Limited back to Memphis. This song brings back fond memories.
I graduated in 62 also. I rode the bus to the Navy Recruiting station. I should have taken the train you did.
@@roadrunner3867 God bless you for serving our nation. Some of us are forever grateful for the sacrifices our service people made on behalf of our country and its people.
@@pennyprivate6979 You are welcome. The Navy was not a job. It was an adventure. It was an adventure with long hours and hard work.
i went to navy C school in Memphis. 1960. rode the train to Chicago. then the Empire Builder home to Portland. don't know if it was Panama Limited north to Chicago.
I wish they still made music like this. I am lucky to have grown up listening in an era of the best music ever recorded. God bless, all of you who enjoy this piece.
Same to you also
Yeah we did grow up in a good the 60's and 70's sure do miss them WE ALL LOVED AMERICA
Amen I still Love America!!
😊@@BradleyAdams-nj5hc
The train they call the “City of New Orleans” still runs up to Chicago. Uplifting chorus.
My Dad was a railroader and loved this song, he like Arlo's version the best and bought a .45 record of it so he could play it any time he wanted. He died in 1973 not long after this was released. He was still working and never got to retire, pneumonia took him in a few days. So every time I heard this song I think of him and my eyes fill up with tears. Mom was from a RR family too so I grew riding and loving trains.
May God bless you and your family.
Yeah my dad works for the DT&I. Same here with the tearing up. Have to listen to this.
He died doing what he loved. Not much to console those left behind but to him, it was everything.. ❤
@@minniemoocake prayers for you and your family
Another Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
My god why can't we have music like this now back when people still created music dam where did the time go take me back if just for a little while
Arlo Guthrie singing a Steve Goodman song with Pete Seeger on the stage! It doesn't get any better than that!
You said it !
Can't get no better
here I am seven years later than your post...and it's true: It doesn't get any better than this! I was feeling so "blah" and now I'm SINGING and HAPPY!
@@jennywax1713 Music is awesome.
Amen!
This piece is an anthem, not just a song and not just a performance, wonderful as they both are. There is nothing comperable. I am 85 years old and highly educatef snd i am fighting back tears as i write.
Your comments are perfect. I feel the same.
To be sure.
I'm 60 and feel the same.
I’m 69 years old and concur 100 percent! It is an anthem!
Same Sir, thank you for your service
My dad rode the rails during the Great Depression. As a child he regaled me with tales of how to hop a boxcar, how he ate and survived on the road, his encounters with the Wobblies (Workers of the World), etc. This song always makes me think of him. May he R.I.P.
IWW International workers of the world. RIP Joe Hill.
@Eric Engbloom
what a story with a warm heart i honor him with a tost and glad you got to learn from him with a tost for history should not be lost to the sands of time
Yeah me too he hit the road after getting out of reform school for borrowing a car with his buddy Odell Johnson they went everywhere and then he did five years in the infantry in WW2; and I did my thing too as a grunt in Nam and thirty five years of hanging on the side of boxcars as a brakeman and conductor.I never get tired of this song because I loved going always had my bag packed when they called.It sure was fun out there all night long.
@Eric Engbloom I don’t think you need to trade your soul for Grandpas. If there is a God worthy of the name, He knows how much each of us can stand before losing faith. If we are tested beyond that point, then He knows that and it isn’t something we will be punished for. Instead, my hopes are that on the other side, God will be compassionate and maybe explain to us why life had to be so damn hard.
❤May He Rest in Peace ❤
I’ve always loved this song. It tells a story and you feel like your riding on the train and things are so peaceful and you have no cares. I usually listen to it late at night and just imagine the peaceful clacking of the wheels on the track.
❤
The 3 young women singing backup are his daughters. Just incredible.
Great Comment !
WHAT???? Thanks for the edu!
I was thinking, who are those beautiful ladies?
And his son, Abe on keyboards
I thought so! You can tell by their beautiful curls!
I'm a military veteran and this song got me through Iraqi Freedom...I would listen to it every morning before my mission and would think about my beautiful country -- the USA. This song gave me the spirit, strength and courage to face each mission! Wow -- thank you sir!!
Thank you for your service. I have family who are veterans and I have the upmost respect for our troops. Welcome back home ❤🇺🇸
Thank you for your service and God bless you 🙏🏻
Brovvo for you you gt the freedom in your bones. Rock on.
Thank you for your service. So glad you made it home...God bless..
Thank you for your service. I will never forget.
Truly miss classics like these. Are there no real song-writers left.....
The best danged pop, folk, country, feel good song ever written and sung by the best singer to sing it. The perfect singer to sing it! Best version ever could be!
Our Uncle Jessie was a rail rider. He spent a summer with us.
I rose at 5am to go pick apples & cherries with him. RIP Jessie
My wife and I had the pleasure of riding from Chicago to New Orleans, and back again, on this train. When we came into Chicago on the return trip this song was playing for us. It was great.
One of my all time favorite songs.
Good 4 you
@@robertlang8891Ask yourself... would Steve Goodman and Arlo Guthrie endorse a comeback like that?
I ride the magic carpets made of steel everyday as a railroader. This song runs through my head, especially passing through towns late at night
My great grandfather ,who was born in 1864, was an engineer for the Rock Island Lines and was the first 50 year member in the country of the Railroad Engineers. Union.This song always makes me think of him.I was six years old when he died.
*hugs* Thanks for the share. God bless.
Now this here's a story about the Rock Island Line
Well, the Rock Island Line, she runs down into New Orleans
There's a big tollgate down there and you know
If you got certain things on board when you go through the tollgate
Well, you don't have to pay the man no toll
Well, a train driver he pulled up to the tollgate
And a man hollered and asked him what all he had on board and said
I got livestock
I got livestock
I got cows
I got pigs
I got sheep
I got mules
I got all live stock
Well, he said, "You alright boy? You don't have to pay no toll
You can just go right on through, " so, he went on through the tollgate
And as he went through, he started pickin' up a little bit of speed
Pickin' up a little bit of steam
He got on through, he turned and looked back at the man, he said
Well, I fooled you
I fooled you
I got pig iron
I got pig iron
I got old pig iron
Down the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road
Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line
Looked cloudy in the west and it looked like rain
Round the curve came a passenger train
North bound train on a southbound track
He's alright a leavin', but he won't be back
Well, the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road
Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line
Oh, I may be right and I may be wrong
But you're gonna miss me when I'm gone
Well, the engineer said before he died
There were two more drinks that he'd like to try
The conductor said, "What could they be?"
A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea
Well, the Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, it's a mighty good road
Well, if you ride it, you got to ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Lin
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL TIME. I ROAD THAT TRAIN TO NEW ORLEANS !!!! A REAL TEAR JERKER.
You RODE that train.
every time i hear this song it wells up a lot of emotion in me. great song
As a former railroader who handed train orders up to the modern day City Of New Orleans, this song holds a special place in my heart and memories.
The City would fly by me standing 6’ away from it, and blow dust in my happy face! ❤️
Another Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
Beautiful paragraph, Magnolia.
This is another great example of the Guthrie family tradition of keeping it going. Arlo's son on keyboards, his granddaughters on backup vocals. Hopefully we can keep of the great tradition through another generation
The poetry of the lyrics is astounding. You can picture the whole journey, feel the wheels yourself, see the old black men, the babes asleep, and the rhythm of the rails is all you'll feel.
I have always loved trains....
Exactly! I remember riding the old trains when I was a kid ... one of the final trips of the Wabash Cannonball was one of them. Three kids from St. Louis Mo. to Saline Mich. The old cars still had wooden bench seats. The rhythm of this song is just like the rhythm of the rails...I have always loved this song! I guess I'm kinda showing my age🤫
Incredible lyrics, surely.
I was born in and grew up in Kankakee.
I actually rode this train from Chicago to Memphis. When we got there at around 7am the first place we went to was the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was shot. I don't know who makes these decisions but they left that place exactly the same as it was that day. even those two cars in the parking lot are still there. Amazing. And that's a really good song.
When this song met Arlo's voice, it made history. One of the best songs of the century.
Absolutely
Totally ❤❤❤❤
This and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
That song never gets old. Fifty years, and I still love it. Arlo's producers knew what to do with it, too.
😂⁷où u😂😂Q10😂
I am 66. I have heard alot of songs. In my opinion this is the best song I have ever heard. The imagery is fantastic and I agree no one can sing this song like Arlo. This is musical perfection
No it's not perfect at all..without Steve Goodman this song lacks perfection. Check out his 4 18 76 version performance .
It gives me goose bumps...love it. And no one can pull it off like Arlo...wow!!! I'm 77 and it takes me waaay back and so glad it endures.
It's a great song indeed!!!
Willie Nelson...
Do not forget the magic of Bob Dylans Tangled up in Blue !
Steve Goodman was a great song writer who sadly left us way too soon. So glad Arlo is carrying this song to future generations. I can't think of anyone better suited to do so.This is a work of true poetry Americana.
You’re right. Tomorrow is Fathers Say, and I’m going to be listening to Goodman’s “My Old Man” and probably shedding a few tears.
@@michaelwest2141 I advise everybody to listen to "My Old Man" and "In The Living Years" every year on Father's Day.
I saw Steve Goodman in concert in Boston around 1977. He was the warm-up act for David Bromberg.
Great comment. Agree all the way
Racist leftist filth are doing everything they can to totally destroy "Americana"
Love this song. My dad was a locomotive engineer - 42 years workin’ on the railroad. I just love trains, still to this day. Railroads brought this country together, from coast to coast, for better or worse. Railroads are the fabric of this country. Everyone owes it to themselves to do a cross country rail trip before it is too late and there aren’t any passenger trains left.
The greatest train song ever written
Absolutely terrific! They don’t make music like this anymore.
I was a contractor for Conrail...long gone now. Used to play this song on the way to the jobs in the morning. Made me feel like I belonged there. The railroads will come and go but this song will be around forever.
totally understand. my dad worked for Terminal RR their name is too true. still love and miss Dad and trains are still here. i heard the City of New Orleans crashed into a 18 wheeler . i felt the need to find out what's going happen to her wrecked lol at myself. the train is of course still in service (haven't checked recently). the train's engine cars didn't appear to be damaged much. considering what the 18 wheeler experienced
I agree. My Grandfather was an Engineer on the Southern Pacific. My Grandmother's BIL, and his son, were also rr men. Everytime I hear this song I think of them. I've always thought of this as an anthem for them and the families of rr emplyees.
Both my Grandfathers were railroaders on the IC. One was an engineer and the other a fireman in the old days of steam. I was blessed to have the opportunity to ride the City of New Orleans back when I was in the Navy in 1966. It wasn't a steam train; but still was the City of New Orleans!
If you didn't sing along with this you have a very limited life.....if you can't love this there is something wrong...LOVE YOU ALL!!!
A timeless classic sang by an immortal. I had the honor and pleasure to see he perform it. Not only was he there, but so was John Prime. I felt so blessed!!!
Don't I wish I had experienced that! Glad I can watch this video...over and over again! Hello, America, how are ya🤗
@@luciooliveira2935 Du n Fyn😁
No one can sing this fabulous song like Arlo! Love it!
Sorry willie Nelson does it just aswell
@@stewartbalmer1515 I agree. I have always thought it was the best song from Willie.
Willie Nelsons version is fantastic.
WHY IS STEVE GOODMAN'S NAME NOT PLACED RIGHT NEXT TO ARLO'S ? Without HIS efforts, Arlo's would never have existed...SONGWRITERS UNITE PLEASE AND DO SOMETHNG ABOUT THIS? And Steve Goodman, RIP Mr. Goodman- Your contribution to humanity was/and still is/ IMMENCE! We all remember Pete Seeger, too; But why does his name get printed BEFORE the composer's ? This could have easily been titled ( and a bit more accurately too) " Arlo Guthrie Sings Steve Goodman's Original with Pete Seeger!"
Ol Willie did a pretty good job on it.
Listen Folks... This is real Music. Not the CRAP they push on us today. No Gadgets Just TALENT ! Jim
Back when you needed talent to be a success in the music business.
And what an abundance of talent there was.
Yip, now it's just putting a barbie doll in a box!
What, you need talent? Sorry, I'm Canadian. We only have marketed talent like Bjeber and Dion....the money makers. It's really special to see two of the best musical storytellers, Arnold and Pete, together. Thanks to RUclips for making all this stuff available. For 15 bucks a month, what a deal!!!
@@chrisfalconer6033
Shame on you for leaving Annie Murray, the sweetest songbird your country ever produced and a big favorite here in the States.
@paulmathless642 You are correct. Murray is very good, just not my type.
However, at least she didn't ditch Canada and go to the states for the big bucks.
"...and the sons of old men porters, the sons of engineers, ride their father's magic carpets made of steel..." Every. Single. Time. I break out in tears, a 4th generation railroader in my youth, feeling the ghosts of loved ones passed surrounding me with those notes and words. What a blessing of tears...
C’mon man, you’re a railroader, you know it’s “sons of Pullman porters.” I’m truly sorry to be nitpicking but they are a vanished breed who should be remembered.
@@navmark77 That's how I misheard it, but you're dead on with a better, correct lyric. Of course, I know Pullman porters.. Thanks
I was a railroader for 25 years and this is my favorite song.
Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up!
God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois!
I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
@@lyndafaye6748 Kankakee is a city outside Chicago. I believe the disappearing railroad refers to air travel taking over for personal travel.
I’m listening to this on the weekend marking my dad’s passing six years ago, and thanking the stars for his sharing his love of all music with me. We sang this one together many times. Miss you, Daddykins, but so grateful. So grateful.
Hug!❤❤❤
This reminds me of an America that once was but is now being lost, and soon to be forgotten.
Wish these days were still around the 20th century were the best days on this planet
Such a great classic song of the 70's, that will live forever, far better than what we hear today, in the 21 century. Sorry folks, I grew up in the 60's, where music, was the best music to listen to, thank God!
Living forever would be apropos, but the truth is, it'll be forgotten once our generation dies off enough.
No apology necessary. It is true.
This version is fast. I prefer the slower pace.
My wife loves this song because her father was a chef on the railroad in the days before they stopped passenger trains . But he had the Chicago to La run. She also got to ride on the train just a times . Love the sound of the train and she wants passengers trains to come back!
79 strong here, looking forward to the 80s (again!!) 😂😂😂😂😂
Thank you Mr Goodman and Mr Guthrie, a magnificent song. A timeless masterpiece! Stirs many emotions while listening. Just fabulous. Kind regards.
Well said
I had the amazing good fortune (in spite of the unfortunate circumstances), to be introduced to Arlo Guthrie. This serendipitous event took place in the fall of 1972 in Austin, Texas. Arlo was in town to perform and he was the guest of the people with whom I shared a house at the time. I was bed ridden with two broken legs at the time (following a car accident after a Pink Floyd concert) - but that's a whole other story. I spent nine months with both legs in (old style) heavy plaster casts and one of the ways I spent my time was to play my guitar. Arlo came in my room around dinner time. He sat at the foot of my bed with his guitar and he taught me how to play this song. So yeah! I got to strum along and learn the lyrics from the man himself. I have lots of cool memories from throughout my life but that is one of my favorite.
Wow!
I play piano, that is a cool story.
I want to hear more about the Pink Floyd concert! :)
@@omnimatty I was living in San Antonio at the time and I was invited by my roommates to go with them to see Pink Floyd perform in Austin. After the concert, I fell asleep on the back seat of the car and Elaine, one of my roommates was at the wheel. She fell asleep and we crashed. There is more to the story but that's the bulk of it.
@@olivierbourgoin3508 Yikes what a terrible thing after a great thing.
This is a true gem! God, this live version is even better than the studio recording! Not very often you can claim that! And Arlo just kills that piano part! "Through the Mississippi Darkness Rollin' Down to the Sea" may be one of the best set-the-beat lyrics ever written! Steve Goodman's great, wonderful song is just perfect. The band and backup singers are superb! Everyone, including the entire audience is just so happy to play and sing along! WOW!
"and mothers with their babes asleep...the rhythm of the rails is all they feel"...gets me every time. Good Morning, America, how are ya?
Bakersfield, California, America doing well here.
Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up!
God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois!
I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections .
I just love America, beautiful Country. Greetings from Cornwall.
Kankakee, illinois (south of Chicago).
Sadly America is not doing so well right now.
It makes me very happy that Arlo tells this story about Steve, who was so modest that when he performed the song he didn't even mention that he was the original songwriter. Everybody thought he was covering Arlo's song.
Indeed
@@ikeane0 Yep -- Al Bunetta had to advise him to let people know it was his song. And I say, especially when people like John Denver were taking credit for it. One of the few times on record that nice guy Steve Goodman got angry.
John Prine was there and tells the story too. Steve was supremely talented and also very humble. His death so young was a tragic loss.
I wish I could have been there when Steve Goodman was pitching this song to Arlo.
That would have been a pretty cool thing to see.
WRZ 2023-03-21
RIP Steve Goodman gone way too soon. Had the great fortune to see him sing this live nearly 49 years ago. Still sends shivers.
I wish I could have been there when Steve Goodman was pitching this song to Arlo.
That would have been a pretty cool thing to see.
WRZ 2023-03-21
This song has a patriotic feel to it, and it puts in me, a love for my fellow Americans.
The French version is better, well we very close at least. You might like them, although French, is an acquired taste to the anglophone ear, or for me it was, I studied French songs when I learned the language and I'm now in love with a lot of French Songs.
The French lyrics needed to be changed to fit melody but they speak of universal human experiences, so it's a quality song. It's about a couple who are breaking up, they probably don't want to split, but they know it has to happen, so it's an amicable break up. As they are saying their final good-byes, of course human nature kicks in and all the happy memories flood their minds, and they again taste the love they knew at the begging; they don't want to do this.
But they time for talk has passed. As they go their separate way's they they take their final walk together to that proverbial split in the road.On that final walk. they pass a bakery/coffee shop on the way. And "la patron du café " the shop owner who knows them, sees them and waves to them and shouts "Salut Les Amoureux!" ( Hello Lovers"), of coure not knowing what's happening, and further throwing sal into the wound..
Anyway, the guy who sang it in French, Joe Dassin, has a nice deep voice voice. It really sounds good, even to an English ear. There's also a version but two French chicks, "Les Frangines" which l absolutely love ( their harmonies are cool) and the Frangines make Guthry's voice sound like he singing with a lacerated tongue and a broken Jaw ( I think Guthry sings horrible).
Sorry for the dissertation. I can never say it simply. I'll bet you would like these two French covers. It's alway cool to discover a great new ( old) song.
ruclips.net/video/dozLCl5cETs/видео.html, or check they two chicks out, they're harmonies are great and they are current, they are active now. They actually sing and play...No electronic smoothing out mistakes. ruclips.net/video/ua6NYcTzbfY/видео.html
Bonne chance.
@@Richard-1776 Merci pour votre recommendation. Avez-vous déjà écouté ce groupe?: ruclips.net/video/kTP246fnKAI/видео.html
@@synewparadigm❤❤❤a
I had forgotten how good a song this is, and how well Arlo Guthrie sang it. Classic, timeless, and so very enduring. This will remain with us, long after most current music will be gone.
It's a beautiful geography lesson.
Damn... I cried listening to Arlo sing this song. I was in Vietnam when I first heard it. Many of memories...
*You say that same crap on EVERY 'thread' of 'How I was in Viet-Nam when I heard this song*
( *You say the same 'made-up' crap about ANY song from '65 to '75!* )
*YOU ARE A LIAR!*
Thank You for your service, Sir.... you guys were sadly overlooked back when you came home!
@@baddriver3580 Amen
@@gerrynightingale9045 Gerry Nightingale is a genius.
Robert, Thank You for your service. Peace from L.A......Gary
Arlo and his Dad Woodie are part of American history... they are legends.
Yes indeed. Love them both
Amen!
Too bad his father was a card carrying member of the American communist party.
Your a duck tard!
really they are
It's simply amazing to go into a store where this song comes on and EVERYONE is singing along
And _everyone_ in the auditorium sings the chorus...!
Both of my Grandfathers worked for the Illinois Central. One was a fireman; the other an engineer. Many years later, I rode the City of New Orleans. I chatter with the engineer while waiting for the train to leave New Orleans. I was invited to ride part of the trip up in the engine. It was really neat. Of course this was way, way before 9/11.
Your grandfathers were what they call railroaders as I am 1 too - after I got out of the army in 71 I worked for the CNW/UP in the office then took a nice buyout - then latched on to a company that owned a few short lines and retired in 2009 and receive a very nice pension to boot.
So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! RIP Mr. Guthrie; possibly in memories of " Alice's Restaurant, "right ? (That's peculiar, Google Spell Check doesn't recognize the word "reminess ?" Maybe not funny at all, right?
@@lyndafaye6748 1
You can't top this kind of talent. No gimmicks or fake BS. Just entertainers who loved singing and making a difference.
This was how the world used to be. No smoke and mirrors. You either had it or you didn't.
Except the dress and wig?
when I saw arlo and pete together in the early 80's I was amazed at how they could turn a audience of strangers into a family of friends.
I was a long haul cattle hauler.im 58. Grew up in trucks my whole life. On the farm. Truckers don't like trains. This song inspired me 41 year's ago.500 miles overnight, naaaa 900 miles overnight in a Pete.Rodnocker baby
I was on the City of New Orleans from Memphis to New Orleans and played this the whole time!
Not sure other passengers appreciated it but I loved it !!!!!
Hello Carolyn Finkelmeier, This is my personal account where I get to talk with people I find interesting from my page, You drew my attention with your lovely comment👆🏻!
Another Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
I don't care what anyone else says, this is one of greatest songs ever and sung by the only person that can do it right.
I grew up in a railroad family in a railroad town and this song has been choking me up for more than 50 years.
My Grandfather worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad
God Bless all that have gone before
I was born in Geneva, Illinois. We lived there in a home immediately adjacent to a corn field. My Father took the commuter train to and from his job in Chicago, and he rode the city of New Orleans from time to time. This song shreds me to ribbons every last time.
This just makes your heart feel good.
I am not an American but love living here and this song is wonderful
Arlo is one of the best!! Every Thanksgiving before dinner we listen to Alice's Restaurant!! It's become a family tradition!!
Hello Jayne Favri, This is my personal account where I get to talk with people I find interesting on my page, You drew my attention with your lovely comment👆🏻!
I grew up in Mississippi and lived near the Illinois Central Rail line. I watched the City of New Orleans roll by many a time. Even though it's been over 50 years ago, this song always brings me back to my youth. I will always love this song.
Because of this song, “The City of New Orleans” is remembered, but there was another passenger train traveling in the other direction, “The Panama Limited!” I grew up literally next to the ICRR AND COULD SLEEP UNTIL THE TRAIN CAME BY MY HOME!
It's amazing how you can hear a song hundreds of times but never "hear" the lyrics. This is a poem. Wow...just plain wow.
I'm 52 years old. Grew up hearing this song. I am sure that there are many folks still jamming to this song.
All renditions including Willie Nelson's interpretation. Love matter who sings this for it still gives goose chills and pride of America.
Some are songwriters, too! Wakes me gently many mornings !Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up!
God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois!
I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
I'm 77 and still fondly sing along...
Kankakee is near Chicago!!
This song brings back so many memories. I grew up in Memphis and rode this train every summer as a kid to see my grandparents who would pick me up at the train station in Hammond La. This song makes me smile and takes me back to a simpler time.
My friend had the pleasure of sitting next to your dad in court in Massachusetts . My friend got caught being overweight with his truck.
THIS has just GOT to be the great rendition of this song EVER.
I cry whenever I hear it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the tears.
There IS no music like this ANYMORE. WONDERFUL 👏😢 😢😢
I hadn't heard this song in years and I played it about 6 months ago and I can't quit playing it I forgot all about it Arlo Guthrie is the only one who can sing this song
Gotta love Pete just standing there stage left just playing. The man was so humble in his greatness.
Arlo was born to sing this song. It seems to be inscribed in his soul.
Absolutely perfect voice and inflection.
Goosebumps
I love him. first heard him in the 60s. did not know about his famous father then.
Well. Yeah.
Don't it though
I grew up listening to this song and I was born in 1966.
This always makes me remember my dad and the stories he told me of when he worked replacing ties fo r the local RR. An uncle worked as YardMaster in Ithaca for a while. Nowadays, most of the tracks have been removed. 😢 I enjoy Arlo's telling the intro and his special style of music. God bless you all.
Steve I hope you hear us playing this from heaven, God bless your soul for bringing a song that resonates in us all
Great, great song. Steve Goodman! ❤
Brings a tear to my eyes when I think of how early we lost Steve Goodman. One of the best CUBS fans ever. I am sure he was there when the CUBS finally won the World Series.
One of the greatest folk songs ever written.
One of the truly American songs sung by a great artist.
My wife and I met Arlo one morning in a Hilton hotel in Flagstaff, AZ,where he was performing. She asked if she could take a picture of him and me and he couldn't have been nicer. Spent about ten minutes talking with him. A truly memorable moment for us.!
I love Pete. He is what all Americans should strive to be.
You will like "Arlo Guthrie/I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" - same concert, some focus on Pete. (the 8 minute one)
Absolute best version of this song ever. Just an epic symphony with the band and the crowd in there with him. Brings a tear to the eye.
Absolutely!
What a phenomenal song ! performed by a unique voice !
I LOVE this song, with Arlo and Pete and company. It always lifts my spirits when I need it.
I'm a comedian and I've learned so much from watching Arlo's videos about how to tell a story and how to work a crowd. I saw an interview with him one time and he told the interviewer, "When someone leaves one of my shows, I want them to feel a little bit better about themselves." He's a master at that. If you're interested my RUclips channel is either Eric Warnock or 99 Cent Comedian. Yeah, I know, it's a cheap plug, but what are you going to do.
My Uncle was a Conductor on the Atlantic Coast Line. The memories of those trips are still as clear as when l was travelling. Steam Locomotive, stops to take on water and sights to see along the way. I still have a ticket that l bought, but didn't use. It is a treasure.
What A Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
Arlo has almost got a lyrical Irish voice , and I have always loved his music 🎵
I wondered about his tenor voice classification while listening to his song for the first time in 40 yrs. It has such clarity to it. So glad I was able to find it, to enjoy it again. It has such sweet memories for me. Thanks so much!
❤️❤️❤️
What A Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
It is beautiful, and I appreciate everyone who worked on the railroad. Plus, I love New Orleans! A state of diversity!
One of THE best tunes on nightime AM radio in 1972. Thanks to Arlo and Steve Goodman.
What A Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me
Daughter of a carmen on southern railroad . Just rock back and forth you will feel the music and that sway of the car on the rails. Thanks Arlo brings back my travel memories with my parents on the Southern Crescent to New Orleans. Do not flush the toilet while the train is standing at the station. Remember that old sign.
I'd much rather feel the "rockin'" than turbulence in the air! Why did this train have the "disappearing " railroad blues ? Was there a tragic accident related to this somehow ? That would have made the " City of New Orleans" into a ghost train, then wouldn't it have ?Bouncing those words on such a memorable melody ! Where the heck IS Kankakee ? I knew a little town called "Kewanee", and made the train trip from Florida via Louisiana many time... So, from the City of New Orleans, to the Rock Island Lines....we now shove ourselves on planes where we can't see much of humanity "out our windows" anymore ? Good Morning America is right; cause it really was a good morning back then. PROGRESS and modern technology sometimes regresses us instead of advances us. Flights to Europe might impress me; but these days were FUN AND ADVENTEROUS. ! ( For " a Wretch Like me?"") Thought I'd put a plug in there fer myself while bothering to reminess! I have to play this some mornings just to wake myself up!
God bless the great story-tellers; This is perfect for someone homesick for Illinois!
I told me friends FredGold and I were calling ourselves " The Illinois Harmony Connection"., some asked, isn't that a famous train stop ? ? NO., just our cyberspace connections
What A Great Song! Love Arlo Guthrie.. God Blessed... So pretty, Are you a lover of good music like me.
Steve Goodman WAS A GOD of Music!! From Arlo to David Allen Coe, he wrote for them all and nobody really ever appreciated that. Rest easy Steve, and sing it to the Angels!!!!
I wish I could have been there when Steve Goodman was pitching this song to Arlo.
That would have been a pretty cool thing to see.
WRZ 2023-03-21
I was 18 teen in the Navy when this song came, I can shut my eyes and still see the day I heard it Just got my A school classes, Did go and change when straight to the E.M club Got me a pitcher beer and four shots made my self a large Boilermaker Then this song came on. Hell of a night!
Ancohrs aweigh!
What a song and what a great REAL American Arlo Guthrie is ... and while I'm at it Steve Goodman caught the essence of a nation still relevant today.
And of all places, Arlo is from Brooklyn, NY where both of my parents grew up.
This is STILL a great song....can't help but to sing along with Arlo!!!