Listen to Willie Nelson’s ‘City Of New Orleans’ and take a musical journey through the heart of America’s soulful roots!

“City of New Orleans” is a folk song written by Steve Goodman and made famous by Willie Nelson. The song was released in 1984 and became one of Nelson’s most beloved hits.

The song tells the story of a train journey from Chicago to New Orleans aboard the Illinois Central Railroad’s City of New Orleans passenger train. The protagonist sings about the various sights he sees along the way, as well as the people he meets and the stories they share.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics: “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.”

These words convey the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with embarking on a long train journey. The protagonist is eager to explore the country and see new sights.

As the song progresses, we learn more about the protagonist’s experiences on the train. He sings, “Good morning America, how are you? / Say don’t you know me, I’m your native son / I’m the train they call The City of New Orleans / I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done.”

These words show that the protagonist is proud of his heritage and excited to explore the country he loves. He sees himself as a representative of his hometown and is eager to share his experiences with others.

At its core, “City of New Orleans” is a song about the beauty and diversity of the American landscape. The lyrics capture the sense of adventure, wonder, and excitement that come with exploring new places and meeting new people. The song’s message resonates with anyone who has experienced the thrill of travel and the joy of discovering new things.

In conclusion, “City of New Orleans” is a timeless classic that celebrates the beauty and diversity of America. Willie Nelson’s emotive vocals, combined with the heartfelt lyrics by Steve Goodman, make this song a masterpiece that has touched the hearts of many. It is a reminder that there is beauty and wonder to be found in every corner of our country, and that the journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination.