Freight Train, a Classic Train Song from Family Garden Trains^TM

Elizabeth Cotton grew up with her brothers alongside a rail yard. They played near the tracks and knew the fireman, the brakeman, and the conductor for one of the daily routes. They also played music together, and this is a song she wrote when she was about twelve. It is still under copyright (1957), so I can't post the tune, but here is one version of the lyrics, based on Mike Seeger's liner notes for the album Freight Train and Other North Carolina Folk Songs and Tunes.

Freight train, Freight train, run so fast
Freight train, Freight train, run so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on;
They won't know what route I've gone;

When I am dead and in my grave
No more good times here I crave.
Place the stones at my head and feet
Tell them all that I've gone to sleep.

When I die, Lorde, bury me deep
Way down on old Chestnut street.
Then I can hear old Number 9
As she comes rolling by.

MP3 clips from Amazon

Freight Train - Elizabeth Cotton - the original artist.
Freight Train - Joan Baez - a live concert version, very pretty
Freight Train - Peter, Paul, and Mary - their 1963 cover with all of their great harmonies and picking.
Freight Train - Chet Atkins - An early recording with electric guitar.

More Sound Clips of This Song

Click here to hear more sound clips on Amazon.

You-Tube Videos of This Song

Some You-Tube links I like as of this writing are below:

• Elizabeth Cotton - her voice isn't as strong as it used to be, but she can still pick in this video.

• Pete Seeger in concert, using his 12-string.

• Mike Seeger telling about his experience meeting Elizabeth Cotton, then plays the song in a singalong at a concert.

• Nancy Whiskey and the Charles McDevvitt Skiffle Group - Skiffle was the UK parallel to the US Folk Revival movement, incorporating washboards and other aspects of traditional UK street performers (the kind parodied in the "Supercalifragilistic" part of Disney's Mary Poppins). If that sounds like a weird mashup, you may find this version a little disturbing. But keep in mind that George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon's first group was a skiffle band and George used to play the washboard until his fingers bled.

• Joan Baez' live version; unfortunatly it shows only a still photo.

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Whatever else you get out of our pages, I hope you enjoy your music and figure out how to make enjoyable music for those around you as well.

And please stay in touch!

    - Paul Race