Welcome to “Songs about Trains and Locomotives”! This carefully curated playlist takes you on a ride through the rich tapestry of train-inspired music, spanning genres and decades.
Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a music lover, or simply in search of a playlist that tells a story, these tracks offer a compelling exploration of how trains have inspired musicians across generations.
So sit back, relax, and let the rhythm of the rails carry you away on this musical adventure.
Contents
- 1. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
- 2. “Locomotive Breath” by Jethro Tull
- 3. “Shut Up Train” by Little Big Town
- 4. “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” by John Denver
- 5. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum
- 6. “The Wreck of the Old 97” by Johnny Cash
- 7. “Rock Island Line” by Johnny Cash
- 8. “Dixie Flyer” by Randy Newman
- 9. “The City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie
- 10. “Downbound Train” by Bruce Springsteen
- 11. “Night Train” by Jason Aldean
- 12. “Wabash Cannonball” by Boxcar Willie
- 13. “Freight Train” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
- 14. “Midnight Train to Memphis” by Chris Stapleton
- 15. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by The Andrews Sisters
- 16. “Casey Jones” by The Grateful Dead
- 17. “Stop This Train” by John Mayer
- 18. “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley
- 19. “People Get Ready” by The Impressions
- 20. “On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer Ft. The Pied Pipers
1. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a soulful ballad by Gladys Knight & The Pips, released in 1973. The song tells the poignant story of a man who, after failing to achieve his dreams in Los Angeles, decides to return to Georgia. His partner, despite the heartache, chooses to accompany him, showing her unwavering support and love. The lyrics reflect themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of simpler, more fulfilling lives. The song’s origin is interesting; it was initially titled “Midnight Plane to Houston” and was written by Jim Weatherly. Cissy Houston first recorded it, but it gained fame when Gladys Knight & The Pips changed the title and location, adding a soulful, gospel-like arrangement.
2. “Locomotive Breath” by Jethro Tull
“Locomotive Breath” is a rock classic by Jethro Tull, released in 1971. Written by the band’s frontman, Ian Anderson, the song uses the metaphor of an out-of-control train to comment on the unstoppable forces of societal issues like overpopulation and capitalism. The song features a distinctive flute riff, which was unusual for rock music at the time, and a driving, rhythmic guitar part that mimics the sound of a train on tracks. The lyrics describe a sense of impending doom and loss of control, reflecting Anderson’s concerns about the direction in which society was heading.
3. “Shut Up Train” by Little Big Town
“Shut Up Train” is a country ballad by Little Big Town, written by Hillary Lindsey, Chris Tompkins, and Luke Laird. The song is about a woman who is haunted by the sound of a train, which reminds her of a lost love and the heartache that followed. The train’s whistle serves as a painful reminder of her emotional turmoil, and she wishes for it to stop so she can find peace. The song’s poignant lyrics and melancholic melody capture the essence of longing and sorrow, making it a relatable piece for anyone who has experienced heartache.
4. “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” by John Denver
“I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” is a traditional American folk song that John Denver covered, bringing his unique style to the classic tune. The song, which dates back to the late 19th century, is often associated with American railroad workers and has become a staple in American folk music. The lyrics describe the daily life of working on the railroad, with its repetitive tasks and early mornings. The song also includes a playful section about “Dinah” and her banjo, adding a light-hearted touch to the otherwise labor-focused narrative. Denver’s rendition retains the song’s traditional charm while adding his folk sensibility.
5. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum
“Runaway Train” is a poignant song by the American alternative rock band Soul Asylum, released in June 1993 as part of their album Grave Dancers Union. Written by lead singer Dave Pirner, the song uses the metaphor of a runaway train to describe feelings of depression and a sense of being out of control. The lyrics convey a deep sense of despair and helplessness, reflecting Pirner’s personal struggles with mental health. The accompanying music video, directed by Tony Kaye, gained significant attention for featuring images of missing children, which helped reunite several families. The song’s powerful message and emotional depth resonated with many, earning it a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1994.
6. “The Wreck of the Old 97” by Johnny Cash
“The Wreck of the Old 97” is a classic American folk song performed by Johnny Cash, recounting the tragic train wreck of the Southern Railway’s Fast Mail train No. 97 in 1903. The song details the high-speed journey of the train, its ill-fated crash near Danville, Virginia, and the death of the engineer, Steve Broady. Cash’s rendition captures the urgency and drama of the event, with vivid lyrics that describe the harrowing moments leading up to the disaster. The song is a staple in the genre of train songs, reflecting on the dangers and heroism associated with early railroad travel.
7. “Rock Island Line” by Johnny Cash
“Rock Island Line” is a traditional American folk song that Johnny Cash popularized with his distinctive style. The song tells the story of a train traveling on the Rock Island Line, a major railroad that ran through the central United States. The lyrics describe the journey and the various cargo the train carries, with a playful twist about a clever engineer who tricks the toll collector. Cash’s version of the song, with its rhythmic guitar and engaging storytelling, highlights the importance of trains in American culture and the ingenuity of those who worked on them.
8. “Dixie Flyer” by Randy Newman
“Dixie Flyer” is a song by Randy Newman from his 1988 album Land of Dreams. The song is a nostalgic reflection on Newman’s childhood experiences traveling by train from Los Angeles to New Orleans. The “Dixie Flyer” refers to the passenger train that connected these regions. Newman’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the journey, capturing the excitement and wonder of train travel. The song blends personal memories with broader themes of cultural and geographical connections, showcasing Newman’s talent for storytelling through music.
9. “The City of New Orleans” by Arlo Guthrie
“The City of New Orleans” is a folk song written by Steve Goodman and popularized by Arlo Guthrie in 1972. The song describes a train journey from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad’s City of New Orleans. Goodman wrote the song after taking the train to visit his wife’s family, capturing the essence of American rail travel with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the landscapes, people, and the rhythm of the train, evoking a sense of loss and change. Guthrie’s rendition became a significant hit, reaching #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.
10. “Downbound Train” by Bruce Springsteen
“Downbound Train” is a song from Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 album Born in the U.S.A. The song is a heart-wrenching lament about a man who loses his job and his lover, using the metaphor of a downbound train to symbolize his descent into despair. The lyrics describe his struggles and the sense of hopelessness that pervades his life. The song’s melancholic tone is underscored by Springsteen’s evocative vocals and the haunting melody. Though not released as a single, “Downbound Train” received considerable airplay and remains a poignant example of Springsteen’s storytelling prowess.
11. “Night Train” by Jason Aldean
“Night Train” is a country song by Jason Aldean, released as the title track of his 2012 album. The song tells the story of two young lovers who find a secluded spot to spend time together as a slow-moving freight train passes by. The lyrics capture the romantic and serene atmosphere of a summer night, with the train serving as a backdrop to their intimate moments. Aldean’s warm vocals and the song’s fluid melody create a vivid picture of the scene, making it a relatable and nostalgic piece for listeners.
12. “Wabash Cannonball” by Boxcar Willie
“Wabash Cannonball” is a traditional American folk song that has been recorded by numerous artists, including Boxcar Willie. The song describes the journey of a fictional train, the Wabash Cannonball Express, traveling through the scenic landscapes of America. The lyrics celebrate the beauty and majesty of the train, capturing the imagination of listeners with its rhythmic melody and vivid imagery. The song has become a staple in American folk and country music, with its origins dating back to the 19th century. Boxcar Willie’s rendition adds a nostalgic and authentic touch to this timeless classic.
13. “Freight Train” by Peter, Paul, and Mary
“Freight Train” is a classic folk song written by Elizabeth Cotten in the early 20th century. Peter, Paul, and Mary popularized this song during the 1960s folk revival. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics capture the essence of train travel, reflecting Cotten’s experiences growing up near the railroad tracks in North Carolina. The refrain, “Freight train, freight train, run so fast,” conveys a sense of longing and movement. Peter, Paul, and Mary’s harmonies and acoustic arrangement bring a gentle and nostalgic feel to the song, making it a staple in the folk music genre.
14. “Midnight Train to Memphis” by Chris Stapleton
“Midnight Train to Memphis” is a powerful country-rock song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his 2017 album From A Room: Volume 2. The song tells the story of a man serving time in jail and counting down the days until his release, symbolized by the midnight train that will take him back to Memphis. Stapleton’s gritty, soulful vocals and the driving guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and raw emotion. The song’s energy and Stapleton’s intense performance have made it a standout track in his discography, often highlighted in his live performances.
15. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by The Andrews Sisters
“Chattanooga Choo Choo” is a classic big band and swing song originally recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra in 1941. The Andrews Sisters’ version brings their signature close harmonies and lively style to the song. The lyrics describe a train journey from Pennsylvania Station in New York to Chattanooga, Tennessee, capturing the excitement and romance of train travel during the era. The song was featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade and became the first gold record in history, selling over 1.2 million copies. The Andrews Sisters’ rendition continues to be a beloved version of this timeless tune.
16. “Casey Jones” by The Grateful Dead
“Casey Jones” is a song by The Grateful Dead, released on their 1970 album Workingman’s Dead. The song is based on the true story of train engineer Casey Jones, who heroically tried to stop his train from crashing in 1900. The lyrics, written by Robert Hunter, use the story to create a cautionary tale, with the chorus famously warning, “Driving that train, high on cocaine, Casey Jones you better watch your speed.” The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with its darker themes, making it a memorable and often-discussed track in The Grateful Dead’s catalog.
17. “Stop This Train” by John Mayer
“Stop This Train” is a reflective and emotional song by John Mayer from his 2006 album Continuum. The song uses the metaphor of a train to symbolize the relentless passage of time and Mayer’s anxiety about aging and the inevitable loss of his parents. The lyrics convey a deep sense of vulnerability and a desire to slow down life’s rapid pace. Mayer’s poignant lines, “Stop this train, I want to get off and go home again,” express his wish to return to simpler times when he felt more secure. The song’s acoustic arrangement and Mayer’s heartfelt delivery make it a touching exploration of life’s fleeting nature and the universal fear of losing loved ones.
18. “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley
“Mystery Train” is a rockabilly classic originally written and recorded by Junior Parker in 1953, and later popularized by Elvis Presley in 1955. The song features a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency, with lyrics that describe a train carrying away the narrator’s lover. Presley’s version transformed the song into a rock and roll staple, characterized by its upbeat tempo and energetic performance. The train in the song symbolizes both escape and loss, capturing the mysterious and often unpredictable nature of life and relationships.
19. “People Get Ready” by The Impressions
“People Get Ready” is a gospel-influenced soul song by The Impressions, released in 1965 and written by Curtis Mayfield. The song uses the metaphor of a train to convey a message of hope and spiritual readiness, encouraging listeners to prepare for a better future. Although it never explicitly mentions God or Jesus, the song is deeply rooted in Christian imagery and was inspired by Mayfield’s religious upbringing. “People Get Ready” became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, praised for its uplifting and unifying message. The song’s enduring legacy is reflected in its numerous covers by artists across various genres and its recognition as one of the greatest songs of all time.
20. “On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer Ft. The Pied Pipers
“On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe” is a popular song written by Harry Warren with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, first published in 1944. The song celebrates the famous Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, capturing the excitement and romance of train travel in the mid-20th century. It was featured in the 1946 film The Harvey Girls, where it was performed by Judy Garland and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Johnny Mercer’s recording with The Pied Pipers became a major hit, known for its catchy melody and lively rhythm. The song evokes the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of trains in connecting distant places and people.
Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.