What are the best songs about trains?

Trains have a unique place in music history, serving as a powerful metaphor for freedom, adventure, and longing. Their steady rhythm, the hum of the rails, and the romantic idea of leaving it all behind have inspired countless songwriters across genres. Whether it's blues, country, rock, or folk, songs about trains capture the imagination, transporting listeners to a world of wide-open landscapes and the irresistible urge to travel. Let’s take a journey through some of the best train songs ever written, spanning decades and genres, celebrating the train's role in storytelling and music. 

1. "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash

No list of songs about trains would be complete without Johnny Cash’s iconic “Folsom Prison Blues.” Released in 1955, this song features Cash’s deep voice telling the story of a man stuck in prison who dreams of the freedom represented by the train whistle outside his cell.

The lyrics capture a poignant sense of regret and longing: "I hear the train a-comin', it's rolling 'round the bend..."

The sound of the train becomes a haunting symbol of the life the narrator could have had if not for his past mistakes. Cash’s performance solidifies the song as a classic in both country and train-themed music.

2. "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight & the Pips

In 1973, Gladys Knight & the Pips released one of the most soulful train songs of all time: “Midnight Train to Georgia.” The song tells the story of someone leaving Los Angeles and heading back to Georgia, disillusioned by the failed pursuit of fame. The train is a symbol of return, of grounding oneself in what really matters—home and love.

The song’s soaring vocals, paired with its deep emotional core, make it one of the most powerful tracks to use the train as a central metaphor. It’s not just about the train journey itself but about finding peace and solace by going back to one’s roots.

3. "City of New Orleans" by Arlo Guthrie

Originally written by Steve Goodman and popularized by Arlo Guthrie in 1972, “City of New Orleans” is one of the best-known folk songs about trains. It paints a vivid picture of the journey between Chicago and New Orleans, bringing to life the experience of the passengers on board.

"Good morning America, how are you?
Don’t you know me, I’m your native son..."

The train in this song isn’t just a vehicle but a reflection of America itself—its people, its heart, and its fading traditions. The melody is gentle and nostalgic, making it one of the most enduring train songs in American music.

4. "Train in Vain" by The Clash

While many train songs are steeped in nostalgia or longing, The Clash's 1979 hit "Train in Vain" takes a different approach. This post-punk anthem uses the train as a metaphor for betrayal and lost love. It’s fast-paced, raw, and emotionally charged.

The repetitive rhythm of the song echoes the driving momentum of a train, fitting perfectly with the theme of a love gone wrong. Despite not being about literal trains, “Train in Vain” resonates with listeners thanks to its powerful imagery and infectious beat.

5. "The Midnight Special" by Lead Belly

“The Midnight Special,” a traditional folk song popularized by Lead Belly in the 1930s, carries deep roots in American history. The midnight train, in this song, represents hope and freedom, especially for prisoners who dreamed of a better life beyond the bars.

Lead Belly’s gravelly voice gives the song a haunting beauty, while the repeated chorus: "Let the Midnight Special, shine a light on me..."

captures a yearning for deliverance. It’s a powerful reminder of the train's symbolic role as a beacon of hope for many throughout history.

6. "Love in Vain" by Robert Johnson

Blues legend Robert Johnson released “Love in Vain” in 1937, a heartfelt song about heartbreak and the end of a relationship, using the train as a metaphor for departure and loss. As the lover boards a train and leaves, Johnson’s lyrics express the raw pain of abandonment.

His guitar playing mimics the sound of a train on the tracks, enhancing the sense of departure and despair. The melancholic tone of the song encapsulates the emotional power trains can evoke, making this one of the most poignant songs about love and trains.

7. "Last Train to Clarksville" by The Monkees

One of the most iconic pop songs about trains, “Last Train to Clarksville,” was released by The Monkees in 1966. The song tells the story of someone catching a train for one last meeting with a loved one before heading off to war.

Despite its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the underlying message is serious and reflective. The urgency of catching the “last train” adds a layer of emotional depth, turning it from a simple pop tune into something more substantial.

8. "People Get Ready" by The Impressions

Written by Curtis Mayfield and released in 1965, “People Get Ready” is both a spiritual and a protest song, with the train representing salvation and unity during the Civil Rights Movement. Mayfield’s use of the train as a metaphor for freedom and hope is both powerful and timeless.

"People get ready, there’s a train a-comin’…"

The song’s gospel roots and deep message of social change make it one of the most important train songs ever written, transcending the genre and becoming a call for justice and peace.

9. "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten

Elizabeth Cotten wrote “Freight Train” in the early 20th century, and it has since become a folk standard covered by countless artists. The song is a simple yet beautiful reflection on the desire to escape the hardships of life.

Cotten’s gentle fingerpicking mimics the rhythm of a train, while her lyrics capture a sense of longing to leave behind the struggles of everyday life: "Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Please don’t tell what train I’m on..."

It’s a quiet yet poignant meditation on the freedom trains represent for those looking to escape.

10. "Mystery Train" by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley’s 1955 recording of “Mystery Train” is one of the earliest and most influential rock ‘n’ roll songs about trains. Written by Junior Parker, the song combines blues and rockabilly influences, creating a hypnotic rhythm that echoes the motion of a train.

"Train I ride, sixteen coaches long…"

The song's driving rhythm and mysterious tone captured the imagination of a generation, solidifying Elvis as the King of Rock and Roll while continuing the tradition of using trains as powerful symbols in music.

Conclusion

From folk to blues to rock, songs about trains have played a significant role in shaping the soundscape of modern music. These tracks explore themes of freedom, heartache, hope, and reflection, using the train as a symbol of both literal and emotional journeys. Whether you're looking for a song to reflect on lost love, celebrate freedom, or simply enjoy a rhythmic journey, these train songs will take you on a ride you won’t soon forget.

The enduring appeal of train songs lies in their ability to speak to our sense of adventure and longing, reminding us of the journeys we’ve taken—and the ones still waiting ahead.