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Artist/Band:
Willie Nelson
Lyrics for Song: City of New Orleans
Lyrics for Album: Willie Nelson Live
Riding 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 south-bound odyssey
The train pulls out at Kankakee
And rolls along past houses, farms and fields
Passing trains that have no names
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
And I'll be gone five-hundred miles when the day is done
Dealing cards 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 grumbling 'neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters, and the sons of engineers
Ride their father's magic carpet, made of steel
Mothers with their babies asleep, rocking 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
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
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 songs again
The passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues
Goodnight 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
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City of New Orleans
Willie Nelson's rendition of "City of New Orleans" stands as a defining moment in his live performance history. Originally a folk-rock staple by Arlo Guthrie, Nelson transformed the track into a country standard, infusing it with his signature laid-back phrasing and deep emotional resonance. This recording from the album Willie Nelson Live captures the artist at the height of his touring prowess, showcasing his ability to command an audience with storytelling songs that transcend genre boundaries. The track reflects the melancholic yet hopeful spirit of American rail travel, a theme that resonated deeply with fans during the late 1970s. Nelson's interpretation remains a cornerstone of his extensive discography, illustrating his mastery in adapting existing material to fit his unique sonic landscape while maintaining the song's narrative integrity. |
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| Album Lyrics: Willie Nelson Live |
Willie Nelson
"Willie Nelson Live"
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