The Meaning Behind The Song: Railroad Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd
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The Meaning Behind The Song: Railroad Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Trains and railroads featured heavily in early country and blues music. This song is a throwback to those times and references artists such as Jimmie Rodgers who rose to popularity in the late 1920s and is widely regarded as “the Father of Country Music”. One of Rodgers’ most popular songs is called “Waiting for a Train”, which is about a “railroad bum” travelling the country by train (he’s kicked off the boxcar in Texas when it’s discovered he has no money).
Merle Haggard, known as “the Hag”, who is also referenced by Skynyrd later in the song, recorded his own version of Rodgers’ song for his 1969 tribute album “Same Train, a Different Time”.
“Railroad Song” by Skynyrd builds on this theme and is about a hobo who travels the country by train, playing those classic railroad songs.
Table: Railroad Song by Lynyrd Skynyrd
| Title | Railroad Song |
|---|---|
| Artist | Lynyrd Skynyrd |
| Writer/Composer | Ronnie Van Zant & Ed King |
| Album | Nuthin’ Fancy (1975) |
| Release Date | March 24, 1974 |
| Genre | Rock |
| Producer | Al Kooper |
As a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, this song has always been one of my favorites. The lyrics transport me to a different time, a time when travel was not as easy and convenient as it is today. It tells the story of a hobo, someone who is constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long. Although they may be seen as outsiders, these hobos found solace and meaning in their music.
The song starts with the narrator jumping off a boxcar in Tennessee, portraying the hobo’s tough and rugged lifestyle. He is cold, tired, and hungry, but he has his guitar and a hundred railroad songs. This emphasizes the importance of music in the hobo’s life, as it provides comfort and a sense of purpose.
However, the narrator is faced with rejection and discrimination when a policeman tells him he is not welcome in town. The policeman represents society’s judgment and rejection of those who live a transient lifestyle. The hobo is deemed undesirable and not fit for the respectable towns being built.
Despite being forced to leave, the narrator remains determined and continues his journey. He acknowledges that being a hobo is the price he must pay for pursuing his passion for music and exploring the old tunes of the past. He mentions Jimmie Rodgers and the Hag, iconic figures in country music, showing his respect and admiration for their contributions.
Listening to this song, I am reminded of my own experiences with train travel. Growing up, my family would often take the train on vacations. The rhythmic sound of the wheels on the tracks and the passing landscapes created a sense of adventure and freedom. It was a way to escape the confines of our everyday lives and explore new places.
The lyrics of “Railroad Song” resonate with the wanderlust in all of us. The hobo’s desire to ride the train until he discovers what Jimmie Rodgers and the Hag were all about reflects our own longing for discovery and understanding. It speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in our lives.
In conclusion, “Railroad Song” by Lynyrd Skynyrd captures the spirit of adventure and the power of music in the face of adversity. It pays homage to the influence of early country and blues music and the significance of trains and railroads in that era. The song’s timeless message reminds us to embrace our passions and follow our own paths, even if it means being unconventional or misunderstood. So let’s hop on that metaphorical “choo-choo train” and embark on our own journey of self-discovery and exploration.
