About the song
“City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie is a timeless folk song that paints a vivid picture of the iconic train journey from Chicago to New Orleans. Written by Steve Goodman, this song was originally released in 1972 on Guthrie’s album “Hobo’s Lullaby.”
With its melodic acoustic guitar and Guthrie’s warm, storytelling vocals, “City of New Orleans” became one of his most beloved tracks. It reached the 18th position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and earned Guthrie a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Performance in 1973.
The song captures the essence of life on the rails, paying tribute to the railroad workers and passengers who travel the City of New Orleans train route. Its evocative lyrics and haunting melody evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity of train travel in a bygone era.
Over the years, “City of New Orleans” has become a folk music standard and has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and Guthrie’s ability to capture the essence of American life through his music.
So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Arlo Guthrie or discovering his music for the first time, “City of New Orleans” is sure to transport you to a different time and place. Get ready to embark on a musical journey through the heartland of America and experience the magic of Guthrie’s storytelling.
Video
Lyrics
Riding on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
15 cars and 15 restless riders
Three conductors, 25 sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey
The train pulls out of Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms, and fields
Passing trains that have no name
An’ freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobiles
Good morning, America, how are ya?
Said don’t you know me? I’m your native son
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Dealing card games with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keeping score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels rumbling ‘neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpets made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep
Are rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good morning, America, how are ya?
Said don’t you know me? I’m your native son
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done
Nighttime on the City of New Orleans
Changing cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by morning
Through the Mississippi darkness, rolling down to the sea
But all the towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rail still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his songs again
The passengers will please refrain
This train got the disappearing railroad blues
Good night, America, how are you?
Said don’t you know me? I’m your native son
I’m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I’ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done