About the song
The Highwaymen’s “City of New Orleans”: A Timeless Ballad of Americana
There’s something undeniably nostalgic and evocative about the sound of a train whistle cutting through the night, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings and distant horizons. The Highwaymen’s classic track, “City of New Orleans,” captures that very essence, transporting listeners on a sonic journey through the heartland of America. Released in 1985, this timeless ballad has become a staple of country music, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The song, penned by Steve Goodman, paints a vivid picture of a late-night train ride from Chicago to New Orleans. As the train rolls along the tracks, Goodman’s lyrics evoke a sense of wanderlust and a longing for simpler times. The imagery is rich and detailed, from the “lonesome whistle blowing” to the “sleepy Southern town” that awaits at the journey’s end. The Highwaymen’s harmonies, featuring country legends Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, add a layer of depth and authenticity to the song. Their weathered voices and seasoned performances give the lyrics a weight and significance that is hard to match.
Musically, “City of New Orleans” is a masterclass in storytelling. The melody is both catchy and memorable, while the arrangement is spare and understated, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming and pedal steel guitar create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the rhythm section provides a steady, driving pulse. The song’s tempo is leisurely, mirroring the slow pace of a train journey. This deliberate pacing allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the song’s narrative and appreciate the nuances of Goodman’s lyrics.
Beyond its musical merits, “City of New Orleans” is also a celebration of American culture and history. The song’s references to the Mississippi River, the French Quarter, and the working class evoke a sense of place and time that is both specific and universal. The lyrics also touch on themes of travel, nostalgia, and the passage of time, which are all deeply resonant with the human experience.
“City of New Orleans” is more than just a song; it’s a journey. It’s an invitation to hop aboard a train and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, like watching the world go by from a train window or listening to the rhythm of the rails. For these reasons, the song has endured for decades and continues to be enjoyed by new generations of listeners.
Video
Lyrics
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday mornin’ rail
15 cars and 15 restless riders
Three conductors, 25 sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms and fields
Passin’ graves that have no name, freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of rusted automobiles
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Dealin’ cards with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keepin’ score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
And feel the wheels grumblin’ neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep, rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Nighttime on the city of New Orleans
Changin’ cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by mornin’
Thru the Mississippi darkness rollin’ down to the sea
But the towns & people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain’t heard the news
Conductor sings your songs again
The passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues
Good mornin’ America, how are you?
Don’t you know me? I’m your native son!
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
