Great Nashville Railroad Desister
David Allan Coe · Other Songs - David Allan Coe
Three hundred men with ebony skin pulled out of Union Station
Headed out of Nashville for western Tennessee
Homeward bound cause Uncle Sam closed down the munitions factory
At that very moment on the Cheatham County line
Old No 1 train from Memphis was runnin' way behind
Buck in the smokey club car a Memphis gamblin' man
Said gentlemen I'm foldin' these cards cause I drew a dead man's hand
A young man in a milk truck out near Dutchman's Grade
Said my God two trains one track then he closed his eyes and he prayed
A sister from the orphan's home made a cross upon her chest
Cause a one iron beast was comin' from the east
And another one was comin' from the west
The birds flew from the treetops as the impact shook the ground
The scaming wheels and the grinding steel could be hard for miles around
The birds flew from the treetops...
Now every July 9th a few miles west of town
To this day some folks will say you can hear that mournful sound
One sultry summer morning in the year of 19-18
Three hundred men with ebony skin pulled out of Union Station
Great Nashville Railroad Desister
David Allan Coe's "Great Nashville Railroad Desister" captures the gritty, storytelling essence that defines his outlaw country persona. Known for blending traditional country with rock and roll influences, Coe often explores themes of travel, heartbreak, and the American landscape in his recordings. This track fits within a broader discography that includes both humorous character studies and deeply personal reflections on the music industry. While Coe has frequently drawn inspiration from the legends of Nashville, his work often challenges conventions with a raw, unpolished delivery. The song stands as a testament to his enduring ability to craft narratives that resonate with fans of classic country music, showcasing his unique voice and commitment to the genre's storytelling traditions.