Fast Freight
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Wish the railroad didn't run so near
'Cause the rattle and clatter of that old fast freight
Keeps on makin' music in my ear, go bum again, go bum again, ooh
Hear the whistle blow, hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack, the wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back, well if you go, you can't come back
Well if you go, you can't come back, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
Well, I wouldn't give a nickel for the bum I use to be
Work as hard as any man in town
I got a pretty gal, she thinks the world of me
Man would be a fool to let her down, go bum again, go bum again, ooh
Hear the whistle blow, hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack, the wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back, well if you go, you can't come back
Well if you go, you can't come back, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
So every night I listen, wonder if it's late
In my dreams I'm ridin' on that train
I feel my pulse are beatin' with that old fast freight
And thank the Lord I'm just a bum again, go bum again, go bum again, ooh
Hear the whistle blow, hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack, the wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back, well if you go, you can't come back
Well if you go, you can't come back, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
Fast Freight - The Kingston Trio
Recorded in 1962, "Fast Freight" stands as a defining track in the folk-rock canon, showcasing The Kingston Trio's transition from traditional folk to a more electric, rock-oriented sound. Originally written by Bob Dylan, the song features a driving rhythm and a distinctive guitar solo that became a signature element of the group's later work. The recording captures the band's ability to reinterpret classic material with a fresh, contemporary energy that resonated deeply with audiences of the early 1960s. Its inclusion on their 1962 album "The Kingston Trio" marked a pivotal moment in their career, demonstrating their versatility and willingness to embrace new musical textures while maintaining their core folk identity.