City of New Orleans - Johnny Locksmith
Channel: Johnny LockSmith
Date: 2023-08-22

This song, City of New Orleans, was written by Steve Goodman (1948-1984), a man I never knew.  But whom, never the less, has left his mark upon my soul with this song.  I have sung this song soooooo many times.  Obviously, I love it!
 
Recorded in 1971 for Steve Goodmans self titled album, City of New Orleans, the song is a nostalgic homage to Illinois central railroads historical train ride from Chicago to New Orleans. 
 
Along with Steve Goodman, other giants of the music world have also recorded City of New Orleans.  Arlo Guthrie made it famous with his hit version in 1972. 
Willie Nelson brought it to the top of the charts in 1985 when he published it on his album titled City of New Orleans.  John Denver and Judy Collins also recorded it.
 
It says something that both stars, and little moons such as I, rejoice in its’ beauty.  I am happy to post this song and video as tribute to this ever-loved song and its’ creator.  Thanks for watching and listening, and please let us know what you think in the comment section below:)

 -Johnny

City of New Orleans: written by Steve Goodman
All music and vocals performed by Johnny Locksmith
Video edited by Katey Seefeld
 
City of New Orleans        by  Steve Goodman

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
 
Out on the southbound odyssey
Train pulls out of Kankakee
Rolls along past houses, farms, and fields
Passing towns that have no names
And railyards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobiles
 
Good morning, America
How are you
I 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 card games with the old men in the Club car
Penny a point
Aint no one keepin score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
Feel the wheels rumbling neath the floor
 
And the sons of Pulman porters
And the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers magic carpet made of steel
And mothers with their babies asleep
Are rockin to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
 
Good morning, America
How are you
I 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
 
Night-time on the City of New Orleans
Changing cars in Memphis Tennessee
Halfway home we’ll be there by morning
With the Mississippi darkness
Rolling down to the sea
 
And all the towns and people seem
To fade into a bad dream
Steel rail still aint heard the news
The conductor sings his song again
Passengers will please refrain
This trains got the disappearing railroad blues
 
Good morning, America
How are you
I 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
 
Good morning, America
How are you!