The Highwaymen – City of New Orleans

About the Song

In the realm of American music, few songs capture the essence of a city quite like “City of New Orleans” by The Highwaymen. Released in 1969, this country ballad has become an enduring anthem for the vibrant metropolis of New Orleans, painting a vivid portrait of its rich history, diverse culture, and captivating spirit.
The song’s opening lines, “I was born on a river in New Orleans,” immediately transport the listener to the heart of the city, evoking images of the mighty Mississippi River that has played a pivotal role in shaping New Orleans’ identity. The narrator, a native son, proudly proclaims his heritage, his voice imbued with a deep connection to the land and its people.

As the song progresses, it weaves a tapestry of New Orleans’ most iconic landmarks and cultural touchstones. The “French Quarter’s mystic mood,” the “Dixieland jazz that makes me feel so good,” and the “calliope’s siren call” all come alive in the lyrics, each verse painting a picture of a city teeming with life, music, and joie de vivre.
The Highwaymen’s rendition of “City of New Orleans” is not merely a tourist’s guide; it’s a love letter to a city that has captured the hearts of countless individuals. The song’s melancholic undertones hint at the city’s struggles and hardships, yet they are overshadowed by an unwavering love and appreciation for its unique character.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether you’ve ever walked the streets of New Orleans or simply dream of experiencing its magic, “City of New Orleans” has the power to transport you there, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and soul of this extraordinary city.
Key takeaways:

“City of New Orleans” is a country ballad that captures the essence of the vibrant city of New Orleans.

The song’s lyrics paint a vivid portrait of New Orleans’ rich history, diverse culture, and captivating spirit.

The Highwaymen’s rendition of the song is a love letter to a city that has captured the hearts of countless individuals.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.

Video 

Lyrics: City of New Orleans 

Ridin’ 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
All along the southbound odyssey the train pulls out of Kankakee
And rolls along past houses farms and fields
Passing trains that have no name and freight yards full of old black men
And the graveyards of the rusted automobilesGood 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
And I’ll be gone five hundred miles when the day is doneDealin’ cards with the old men in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keepin’ score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
And feel the wheels rumbling ‘neath the floor
And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers
Ride their fathers’ magic carpet made of steel
Mothers with their babes asleep rockin’ to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel
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
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
Through the Mississippi darkness rolling down to the sea
And all the towns and people seem to fade into a bad dream
And the steel rails still ain’t heard the news
The conductor sings his songs again the passengers will please refrain
This train has got the disappearing railroad blues
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

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