Wabash Cannonball Alternative Version
This is one of countless versions of this song you'll find if you go looking for the "best version." Most people "mix and match" or even make up verses to suit the situation.
From the coast of the Atlantic, to the broad Pacific shore,
From the warm and sunny southlands, to the isle of Labrador,
There's a train that's quite important; she's known by one and all,
She's the western combination called the Wabash Cannonball.
Chorus:
Oh, listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar,
As she glides along the woodlands, over hills and by the shore.
Hear the thunder of the engine, hear the lonesome whistle call.
She's the western combination called the Wabash Cannonball.
Oh, the eastern states are dandy, so the western people say,
Chicago, Rock Island, St. Louis by the way.
To the hills of Minnesota, where the rippling waters fall,
No changes to be taken on the Wabash Cannonball.
Now here's to Daddy Claxton, may his name forever stand,
And always be remembered through the courts throughout the land.
His earthly race is over, now the curtains round him fall.
We'll carry him home to Dixie on the Wabash Cannonball.
I have rode the I.C. Limited, also the Royal Blue,
Across the eastern countries, on mail car number two.
I have rode those highball trains from coast to coast, that's all,
But I have found no equal to the Wabash Cannonball.
You-Tube Videos of This Song
I have tried to keep links to classic performances by various audiences. Unfortunately, YouTube sometimes takes them down for no apparent reason. I've tried to substitute others when that happens, but you may find broken links in the list below. Don't despair, you can usually find new links to the same resources by searching the artist and song name together.
- Boxcar Willie - Willie's version is one of the "standards" of the genre. One thing nice about it is that you can really understand the words, so if you're practicing the song, this is a good one to work with.
- Johnny Cash Studio recording - with random movies of trains in the video channel. Looking for this recording was the reason I kept finding the other Cash performance below. This is his best recording, but if this link gets taken down, think of the other two as backup :-)
- Jerry Reed live on the old Porter Wagonner show. One thing interesting is how fast Wagonner's band catches on to his unusual tempo and beat - the first line and a half is a bit ragged, and from then on it sounds like they rehearsed every bit. That's the difference between real musicians and the hundreds of wannabees I've known over the years as a guitar teacher. "I don't see why I'll ever need to know more chords than I need to play my favorite songs." "The circle of 5ths is for people who can't feel the music in their gut." See my article How to Give Guitar Lessons for more information.
- Chet Atkins - nobody plays it better.
- Willie Nelson - I admit, Willie's verion with the Highwaymen is better, but it seems to have been taken down. This will still get you a taste of Willie's take on the song.
- Carter Sisters with Johnny Cash - another television appearance.
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