About the song
Jerry Reed, a country music singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his energetic performances and witty lyrics, penned “City of New Orleans” as a heartfelt tribute to the iconic city. This upbeat and catchy song, released in 1973, became a popular hit and a staple of Reed’s live shows.
With his distinctive twangy voice and skillful guitar playing, Reed paints a vivid picture of New Orleans, capturing its unique charm, vibrant culture, and rich history. The song celebrates the city’s iconic landmarks, lively music scene, and warm hospitality.
The opening lines, “I’m sittin’ on a Greyhound, headed for New Orleans,” immediately set the stage for a song that evokes the spirit of adventure and the allure of travel. Reed describes the journey by train, highlighting the excitement and anticipation of arriving in the Crescent City. The song’s refrain, “City of New Orleans, I’m coming home,” conveys a sense of longing and a desire to return to a place that feels like home.
Throughout the song, Reed uses vivid imagery and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his love for New Orleans. He references the city’s famous French Quarter, the Mississippi River, and the iconic Bourbon Street. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past, while also expressing a hope for a brighter future.
“City of New Orleans” is more than just a travel song; it is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of music to connect people. Reed’s energetic performance and infectious melody make the song a joy to listen to, while also reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. This timeless classic continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages, serving as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the American South and the power of music to transport us to new and exciting places.
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Lyrics
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday mornin’ rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail
All along the south-bound odysey
The train pulls out of Kankakee
And rolls along past houses, farms and fields
Passin’ towns that have no name
And freight yards full of old black men
And the grave-yards of the rusted automobiles
Good-Morning America, how are you?
Say 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 five-hundred miles when the day is done
Dealin’ card games 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
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 are rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
Good-Morning 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 five-hundred miles when the day is done
Night time on the City of New Orleans
Changin’ cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Halfway home, we’ll be there by mornin’
Through the Mississippi darkness rollin’ down to the sea
But all the towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his song again
The passengers will please refrain
This trains got the disapearin’ 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 five-hundred miles when the day is done