Introduction
“City of New Orleans” is a classic folk song that captures the nostalgia and romance of American rail travel. Written by Steve Goodman in 1970, the song was inspired by a real-life train journey from Chicago to Mattoon, Illinois. Goodman’s vivid lyrics paint a picture of the sights and sounds of the train, from the chugging of the locomotive to the faces of the passengers.
The song was first recorded by Arlo Guthrie in 1972, and it quickly became a popular hit. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings.
In 1985, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings formed a country supergroup called The Highwaymen. They recorded a version of “City of New Orleans” for their debut album, which became a huge success.
The song’s enduring popularity is due in part to its timeless lyrics and melody. It is a song about the American spirit, the beauty of the natural world, and the power of music to bring people together.