Willie Nelson – City Of New Orleans – 1982

“City of New Orleans” is a song written by Steve Goodman, an American folk singer-songwriter. While Willie Nelson is a renowned country singer and songwriter, he is also known for covering and performing songs written by others. Willie Nelson covered “City of New Orleans” and released his version in 1984 as part of his album titled “City of New Orleans.”

The song itself is about a train ride on the Illinois Central Railroad’s City of New Orleans train route, which travels from Chicago to New Orleans. It has been covered by various artists over the years and is considered a classic folk and Americana song. Willie Nelson’s rendition of the song is one of the most well-known versions.

Did You Know?

• “City Of New Orleans” was originally penned by folk singer-songwriter Steve Goodman in 1971. Willie Nelson’s rendition in 1984 breathed new life into the song, earning it a special place in the annals of music history.
• This song is not just a musical gem; it also tells a poignant story. It reflects the changing landscape of America and the sense of longing for a simpler time when train travel was a common way to connect with distant places.
• Willie Nelson, often regarded as one of the greatest country musicians of all time, brought his signature style and emotion to this song, making it an unforgettable experience for all who listen.
• The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous covers and adaptations by artists from various genres, showcasing its universal appeal.

Lyrics:

“City Of New Orleans”
Ridin’ on the City of New Orleans Illinois Central Monday morning rail
Fifteen cars and fifteen restless riders
Three conductors and twenty-five sacks of mail
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
And rolls along past houses farms and fields
Passing trains that have no name and freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobilesGood 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
And I’ll be gone five hundred 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 rumbling ‘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 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
And I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done

Night time 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
And 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 songs again the passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues

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