I Won't Give Up My Train

Merle Haggard · Hag-The Studio Recordings 1969-1976 [2007]

I pulled into Memphis thirteen minutes early first time in two weeks

That's where she came to meet me

As I stepped down off four-fifty-one, I needed sleep

The baby's over due I know, she need's some things

But the more that we discuss it, it's the same



Long train rollin', got a feelin' and I'm knowin'

She's not waitin' for me

These rails keep gettin' longer, this feelin's gettin' stronger

It won't let me be

I love my woman fire and rain

But I won't give up my train



The baby came in April while I was in Chicago in the pourin' rain

With twelve flat cars, six rusted tankers

three box cars and an empty sack of mail

And though I'll be lonely, some nights I know

There's just no other way to explain



Long train rollin', got a feelin' and I'm knowin'

She's not waitin' for me

These rails keep gettin' longer, this feelin's gettin' stronger

It won't let me be

I love my woman fire and rain

But I won't give up my train



Long train rollin', got a feelin' and I'm knowin'

She's not waitin' for me

These rails keep gettin' longer, this feelin's gettin' stronger

It won't let me be

I love my woman fire and rain

But I won't give up my train

I love my woman fire and rain

But I won't give up my train

I Won't Give Up My Train

Merle Haggard's 'I Won't Give Up My Train' stands as a defining anthem of the outlaw country movement, capturing the restless spirit of the American West. Recorded during the late 1960s and 1970s, the track exemplifies Haggard's signature blend of steel guitar, fiddle, and resonant vocals that became the blueprint for the genre. The song's narrative of a traveler refusing to abandon his journey resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting the themes of independence and resilience found throughout his discography. As a cornerstone of his studio recordings from this era, the composition reinforced Haggard's status as a leading figure in country music, influencing countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal appeal of stories about the road and the determination to keep moving forward.