The Highwaymen: A Supergroup’s Timeless Tribute to the American Railroad
The Highwaymen, a legendary supergroup comprised of country music icons Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, have left an indelible mark on the genre.
Background
Their music, a blend of country, folk, and rock, has captivated audiences for decades. One of their most beloved live performances, “City of New Orleans,” is a timeless tribute to the allure of train travel and the heartland of America.
Recorded live at Nassau Coliseum in 1990, this rendition of the Steve Goodman classic is a masterpiece of collaborative artistry.
The Highwaymen’s harmonized vocals, coupled with their distinct musical styles, create a rich and textured sound. The song’s evocative lyrics, painting vivid images of the American landscape and the passing of time, resonate deeply with listeners.
The Highwaymen’s cover of “City of New Orleans” is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of American roots music and the enduring power of storytelling.
The group’s collective talent and chemistry elevate the song to new heights, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
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
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 full of rusted automobiles[Chorus]
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[Verse 2]
Dealing cards with the old man in the club car
Penny a point, ain’t no one keeping score
Pass the paper bag that holds the bottle
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, rocking to the gentle beat
And the rhythm of the rails is all they feel