About the song
The Highwaymen: “City of New Orleans.” While the song was brilliantly penned by Steve Goodman in 1971 and famously became a hit for Arlo Guthrie, it was the combined gravitas and distinctive voices of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson on their iconic 1985 debut album, Highwayman, that brought this beloved tune a renewed sense of wisdom and weariness. It’s far more than just a cover; it’s a masterclass in storytelling, each legend contributing a unique texture to the journey.
The lyrics of “City of New Orleans” trace the journey of a passenger train from Chicago down to the Crescent City, serving as a metaphor for the changing times and the often-overlooked lives that traverse the country’s heartland. It paints vivid pictures of forgotten towns, sleepy landscapes, and the diverse individuals found in the coach cars – “good morning, America, how are ya?” It speaks to the camaraderie of strangers sharing a journey, the quiet moments of observation, and the underlying sense of a bygone era, as the age of grand passenger rail began to fade. Phrases like “Good morning, America, how are ya? / Say don’t you know me, I’m your native son” and “Passing towns that have no name / And the freight yards full of old black men” encapsulate the song’s deeply reflective and slightly melancholic tone. It’s a lament for fading traditions, a celebration of the simple beauty of the American landscape, and a poignant commentary on the lives that unfold along its tracks.
The Highwaymen’s vocal performance on “City of New Orleans” is a testament to their individual artistry and their collective power. The song often features each member taking turns on verses, allowing their unique personalities to shine through the narrative. Willie Nelson’s signature mellow, contemplative phrasing brings a weary wisdom to the journey; Johnny Cash’s deep, resonant voice adds a sense of historical weight and quiet observation; Waylon Jennings’s straightforward, earnest delivery provides a grounded perspective; and Kris Kristofferson’s gravelly tone adds a touch of existential reflection to the passing scenery. Together, their voices blend in harmonies that are rich with shared experience and a profound understanding of the human condition, making the tale of the train a truly unforgettable listening experience.
The musical arrangement of “City of New Orleans” in The Highwaymen’s hands is fittingly acoustic and folk-driven, designed to enhance the song’s storytelling nature. It features a gentle, rolling acoustic guitar rhythm that perfectly mimics the movement of a train, complemented by subtle bass and drums that provide a steady foundation. The instrumentation is sparse enough to allow the focus to remain squarely on the intricate lyrical journey and the distinct vocal performances. The production is clean and warm, capturing the essence of a classic folk ballad while imbuing it with the mature, seasoned sound of these four country giants.
“City of New Orleans” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of travel, observation, and the changing face of America are universally appealing. The Highwaymen’s rendition, a standout track on their debut album, solidified its place as a modern classic, showcasing the enduring power of a timeless narrative delivered by voices that truly understood its depths. It remains a beloved and enduring song, a haunting reminder of journeys taken and the quiet beauty found along the rails of the “City of New Orleans.”
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
