Streamlined Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
A long steel rail, a short crosstie
I'm on my way back home
I'm on a train, the king of them all
The Streamlined Cannonball.
She moves along like a cannonball
Like a star in its heavenly flight
This lonesome sound from the whistle you love
As she travels through the night.
Her headlight gleams out in the night
Her firebox flash you see
The blinds I ride the lights that I love
It's home sweet home to me.
She moves along like a cannonball
Like a star in its heavenly flight
This lonesome sound from the whistle you love
As she travels through the night...
About Streamlined Cannonball
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a spirited gospel track on "Streamlined Cannonball," recorded for their 1993 Bear Family release, *The Three Bells*. This recording exemplifies the group's signature style, blending traditional Southern gospel harmonies with a driving, rhythmic energy that characterizes their live performances. The song features the distinctive vocal leadership of Jim Ed Brown, whose powerful delivery anchors the ensemble's rich choral texture. As part of a collection of tracks from this era, the recording captures the group's commitment to authentic spiritual expression while maintaining a dynamic, upbeat tempo. It stands as a testament to their ability to translate the fervor of their religious roots into compelling secular music that resonates across generations.