About the song
Settle in for a listen to a folksy travelogue with a touch of whimsy – “City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie. This song, released in 1972 on Guthrie’s album Hobo’s Lullaby, isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a rambling tale of a train ride filled with colorful characters and a touch of gentle social commentary.
While the exact origin of the song is a bit murky, with some crediting Woody Guthrie (Arlo’s father) for laying the groundwork, there’s no doubt that Arlo Guthrie’s distinctive voice and storytelling ability elevate it to classic status.
The song opens with a gentle guitar strumming and Guthrie’s signature nasally vocals singing, “Gonna take a midnight train goin’ anywhere.” This line sets the stage for a journey filled with the unknown, a sentiment many listeners can relate to. The lyrics then introduce us to a cast of characters – a gambler, a movie actor, a farmer, and even the “man of the land” (a conductor, perhaps) – each with their own story and destination.
The melody of “City of New Orleans” is simple yet captivating, perfectly complementing the lyrical narrative. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “City of New Orleans,” adds a sense of rhythm and anticipation to the journey. While the song doesn’t explicitly state the final destination, the repeated mentions of the “City of New Orleans” create a sense of mystery and wonder about this fabled place.
“City of New Orleans” became a surprise hit for Guthrie, reaching number four on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and number 18 on the Hot 100 chart. The song’s success not only propelled Guthrie to national recognition but also helped usher in a resurgence of folk music in the early 1970s.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a simpler time of train travel and the camaraderie found among strangers on the open road. The lyrics, with their subtle social commentary and quirky humor, resonate with a sense of adventure and a longing for new experiences. “City of New Orleans” continues to be a beloved folk song, covered by countless artists and featured in numerous films and television shows.
“City of New Orleans” is more than just a travel song; it’s a cultural touchstone that captures the essence of American wanderlust and the power of human connection. With its simple melody, engaging storytelling, and relatable characters, “City of New Orleans” is sure to remain a cherished classic for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central, Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors, twenty-five sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey
The train pulls out at Kankakee
And rolls along past houses, farms and fields
Passin’ trains that have no name
And freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobiles
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
Dealin’ cards 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
And feel the wheels rumblin’ ‘neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their father’s magic carpets made of steel
And 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
Nighttime on The City of New Orleans
Changin’ cars in Memphis, Tennessee
Half way home and we’ll be there by morning
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 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
Goodnight 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