City of New Orleans -- Steve Goodman

[DreadVane]

Perfect.

[alberts1985]

lightin up my green

[08shortstop]

Arlo and Willie popularized it, but you can't beat the original ... great songwriting by a great songwriter ... a piece of Americana.

[THEFLYINGREDNECK]

@08shortstop HELK YEA A GREAT SOUNG WRITER! HE WROTE "YOU NEVER EVEN CALLED ME BY MY NAME"!

[Codytyler651]

@THEFLYINGREDNECK duh born in 88 and i know that

[skashian]

@08shortstop arlo guthrie popularized it

[deltaf22]

Yes folks, that's what made America great- its people. Get out of your easy chairs, drop your wii's and your droids and your iphones and go discover America. Go !!

You live in the best country that ever was and ever will be and you know why??

Because of you and your daddy and your grandpa and your momma and what all they did to make America America. My heart weeps for this nation.

[katsommers1]

I take this Train every year from Chicago to New Orleans for Mardi Gras... The 18 hour trip is my time to commune with myself for a while and this song tends to run through my head for the entire trip, just in the background...

[waterdog226]

A great song. My favourite train song.

[glaeken14]

i love it

[Technolog1c]

rip died far too young.

[texaschigyrl]

i met steve in 1972 via a friend. i remember he lived in a small room on the south side of chicago. he is an exceptional writer/artist. he was writing that song way before anyone new who he was and became. i had a very heavy heart when he passed. but i think he knew something was wrong even back then. what a great person

[EricChavezMVP]

heard go cubs go,prompted me to find out who wrote it,watched a tribute video for steve goodman,heard a very small part of this song in there,had to find out what it was called,led me here to this masterpiece,one of the greatest songs i've ever heard

[RockinRustle]

i only hope that one day i can write a song this amazing

[Like2Singa]

The guitar work here is understated, but staggering from a skill perspective. The vocal phrasing is riveting.

[Mjollnir50]

@Like2Singa I also saw him several times, before the cancer. Amazing writer, even more amazing guitarist....peace be upon him.

[Earthdancer46234]

@Mjollnir50 I am so envious.  I am just lucky to hear his music. RIP Steve.

[Narseshasnone]

This guys the real deal.I saw him at Amazing Grace(in Evanston Il) where he did a set with Tom Rush,who was headlining.Terrific.Goodman was sick with the cancer

that would soon kill him but could still pick with the best of them! RIP Steve

[JS500Y]

I take this train from Chicago to Carbondale to go to school, I should start listening to this when I'm on it

[damienf117]

I like 3 versions of this, Willie Nelson's (The HIghwaymen) Version

Johnny Cash's Version

and THIS!!

if only history COULD repeat itself and we could hear them ALL again

R.I.P Legend!

[junajossi]

One thing that really bothers me, listening to this version for the first time, is that the original published song lyrics included the line "passing trains that have no names."

That, obviously, is the point. The romance of trains is gone; trains aren't named anymore, just like the Pan Am Clippers aren't named anymore.

You may be able to stretch some meaning out of "towns that have no names," but it will sound lame. Why did he change it here?

A great, bittersweet lament for a long-gone era.

[Satchmoeddie]

@junajossi Amtrak kind of names the remnants of the lines they continue to run. I got to ride the last non Amtrak revenue passenger train, "The Rio Grande Zephyr" It was the mid leg of the old California Zephyr complete with 1940s and 50s cars and power. The porters were still black union porters. It ran from Ogden Ut to Denver through scenic Colorado. We once arrived in the city like gods. Now we arrive like cattle.

[PooBah891]

Check my comments under the john denver version---he probably would have tried to improve on Mozart and create a disaster as he did with this piece.

[orkam64]

This tune touches a nerve in us Americans. Next time the song comes over the speakers in the supermarket, listen to how many people are softly singing the chorus. RIP Steve. I hope you and my dad are singing it now.

[boxcanyon100]

grab a handfull of wind. drop something that hurts in the needy's cup. thank our lucky stars for spot on gentility like steve goodman in this american idol world we live in.

[katsommers1]

In one week I will be going to Mardi Gras on this very famous train. I first took the City of New Orleans in 1993 to Mardi Gras from Chicago. It was not the greatest trip - the train was packed - they ran out of food in the club car - the water for the toilets froze around about Memphis - but we had a great time with all the people! I was hooked. I've taken the train three times for the past three Mardi Gras... And again this year will take it... You should put this on your bucket list & do it!

[BRitaBRazil]

NICE, NEW ORLEANS IS MY "HOME TOWN" .Despite I am BRazilian and lives in RIo..

[zimmcat]

which group sings the classic rock version of this?

[seymourbbest]

Its funny people are saying "great version" and stuff like that. This isn't a "version". this is the guy who wrote it doing it like it was meant to be done. Everyone else does "versions" of it.

[jmleblan]

@seymourbbest Maybe. But he himself played it many ways. Also, one could argue that the "version" by the original composer is as much (or as little) a "version" as anyone elses. True, most people give the author's version some extra credence... but what that's really supposed to really mean I'm not so sure.

[bgreen97]

@seymourbbest just because its sung be the author doesn't mean it's the ideal version. As a musician I sometimes write songs and then allow other people to perform them because I think their approach to the song is closer to my vision for the song than my own.

[clarebannerman]

Beautiful version. I love this song.

[lugags]

Simply inspiring,genuine.one of a kind.

[pnolanrn]

Brilliant

[spatiotemporal]

Excellent. I never heard his version before. I like the guitar playing here.

[redemma44]

The guitar work is GREAT. I cried buckets the day Steve Goodman died, I have always loved his music and his sense of humor. This song's had a LOT of great covers, but never heard a better version than this, Steve singing it as he wrote it. Thanks for posting, this is WONDERFUL.

[MyMoppet52]

Even though I have been a fan of Steve Goodman, I was not aware of his wonderful guitar work. I mostly was familiar with his singing duets his writing. Boy, his guitarwork is incredible!!! Thanks for posting this. What a GREAT talent!

[MrNik1001]

When I was little I listened to a songwriters CD that had this on it, I used to listen to it all the time

[dalet63]

I never realized how good He was. amazing guitar work here!

[carolimah]

It's poetry.

[Jangle2007]

This song is one for the ages. It seems like one of the organic, original songs about what it means to see and love America for what it truly is: an immensly complicated, difficult, beautiful, and dynamic country, going through periods of identity crisis, reinventing itself, pulling together with new national purpose.

It's not too much to believe that in 2010, dark days lies ahead. Are we still a strong country that you want to wake up to saying "good morning America how are you?"

[highlandcommando]

only heard this yesterday and was stunned. willie nelson does a great job, but this man is so far ahead it's scary. another gem goes back into the earth.

[col1509]

steve goodman sings this song like its the first & last ,song he ever sung.it gently takes your heart out spins it around & puts it back again steve & his talent left us to soon.

[yeahmedude]

I don't know if it's written elsewhere here, but legend has it Steve Goodman wrote this while traveling from Chicago to Mattoon, IL; I'm there now, so that's kind of cool in my little world.

[daveferguson56]

Sammi Smth's version used to be on YouTube but I can't find it . She did an outstanding job also.

[jmleblan]

The poetry is breathtaking. This is Goodman's gift to us, more than any performance style. Without pretension he takes a single trip of a train and returns a compelling reflection on the arc of its history and the place of us who watch it pass. Not a single line or phrase is wasted. "The sons of Pullman porters, and the sons of engineers" The first time I understood these lines I nearly fell over. Poetry so good I knew it wasn't written by Arlo, with all due respect to a performer I love!

[MomIsSoMean]

This song has a very different feeling when sung by the writer than in the more popular versions by others who have covered it. It's funny how folk music is viewed as less genuine when sung by a middle class Jewish guy than someone who sounds like a good ol' country boy. As if the only real "folk" who can feel the pulse of America have southern accents. I love this version & much of Steve's work, may he rest in peace.

[rdcommish]

@MomIsSoMean I agree.....don't forget that Bob Dylan is a middle class Jewish guy also. Steve died early at the age of 36,,,,,,,

[MusicallyDetermined]

Singers and songwriters, somehow together it makes it right. Listen to the original Jerry Walker, Croce, Elton John, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, or George Harrison. John Denver, Stevie Wonder, or Gordon Lightfoot, these writers made their own songs come alive. After listening to Arlo sing this song for 40 years, I like Steve Goodman's version better. There's no hurry, the story is everything here. I might add the guitar is rich! He was an incredible talent!

[bbbartolo]

Not many folkie songs are epic. This is epic, serves up a huge slice of Americana. Arlo, Steve, Judy, all good versions. It's the song, a classic.

[ricaard]

Jerry Reed's is my favorite version...this one, by the originator, is nice also...

[rico491]

one of my favorite songs of all time.... thanks.

[aworldwithinamoose]

My father played this for me as I grew up. It breaks my heart to hear it, stark, powerful, and beautiful. I haven't heard him play in years.

[whiteroom1300]

i usually dont like covers but arlo guthrie's version is so much better

[tommerrigan1956]

Steve was a good man.

[rpashoukos]

This is so good, sang it for years but never heard it "Sung by the songwriter" , simply perfection. I submitted my video as a tribute to Steve Goodman, the railroads and America.

[gnomely1]

This song reminds me of the America I first visited 40 years ago. It was a beautiful country to travel and my wife and I enjoyed every day. The world has changed much since those days and the pace of life doesn't leave much time to take notice of our surroundings in quite the same way. Thanks for posting this wonderful song by a great songwriter.

[doUcare4music]

He wa so GOOD !

[LambertTheShpshLion]

ahh the landscape is crumbling and people are crying...

[UmbertoConforti]

How wise for 22!!

[manningcustom]

Been learning this song myself. This version is by far the best of them all in my opinion.  Incredible stuff. Captures the spirit of America in four minutes

[AGSlater]

connecting with Steve Goodman. He actually wrote this at age 22 and was taking the Illinois Central. His song foretells the crumbling of the country rail system that many used for transportation. My favorite line "feel the wheels grumbling beneath the floor" because grumbling is not really something that is verbal but tactile.

[PeterNGloor]

@AGSlater

I thought he sang "rumbling".

[headpirate4u]

Awesome song! I love Steve Goodman. What a loss for all of us. I saw a DVD of him before he was sick and it was amazing. Man he was an incredible troubadour and songwriter. Thank you for posting. I sure wish there was more of him on youtube. If anyone can find some, please post it!

[vincentkerruk]

One of the best songs ever,an absolute classic. S.G. gone far to soon.

[shitfacehippi]

need tabs please

[nichibek]

Beautiful visual imagery in this song.

[LUUUUUTZTZ]

i like the song.... :P

[dlevita]

wow!

[dwbdcy]

This song is a Whitmanesque elegy to America.

Hell, just go get on a train to somewhere and you will experience this.

[denniswilsonfan]

kind of sad to find a gifted person such as SG after they are gone, it leaves us wanting for more, and now we join those who knew him before, still wanting. love his tunes.

[IC1034]

Ah, this song makes me proud to be a fan of the railroads. :)

[AZHappy]

This song is so lovely it makes me weep. This is such a unique country. It's defined by the landscape and by it's people. Get out of your houses and go see it! Take the train. Drive your car. Ride your bike. Breathe it. Smell it. Just get out there and find out what Steve Goodman wrote about.

Lord, I hope somebody, right now, is writing a song this sweet.

[111111slider]

@AZHappy this song also conveys the feeling that the railroad was almost a living organism that was used up by america and discarded when other forms of transportation came along... very profound idea.

[Haeresiarcha]

Love It.

[HolyMotherofGrid]

Wonderful guitar playing!! This is one of the very best versions of this song i;ve heard.

[RWV4]

Totally agree.

[curbshoppin]

always love to hear the writer sing the song , great stuff from Steve...he was the best

[domthiry]

ah the good old days with NEW-fm and scott muni, roscoe, jonathan schwartz, zacherly, allison steele (the night bird). and pete fornatell (sp?). it was on pete's sunday morning show "Mixed Bag" that i learned of the death of steve goodman. a bittersweet memory,

[jackdaman420]

Sounds like the music only a cubs fan could write

[matthewp82]

hello america how are you, you may not know me but you know my name. im the olds they call the cutlass ciera, and i know these roads from oregan to maine...old 1985 cutlass ciera oldsmobile commerical lmao

[Marylouband]

I love this version, there are so many, and many good ones ! I love Arlo's version too. I feel like i'm in this train... Thank you for the trip !

[tmac1945]

Just discovered Steve here and could not be more impressed.

Another talent who left ealy.

[paperbacklou]

Let's hear it for Vin Scelsa!

Nicely done by Steve. Too bad he didn't become a household name from it.

[yumm1313]

I had the great pleasure of watching Steve Goodman perform live in several venues. From Charlotte's Web in Rockford to the Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City Steve Goodman was the most energetic live performer I've ever seen. Recordings don't seem to capture his magic. In Iowa City he opened for John Prine with a stool and a glass of water. He did a tremendous imitation of John Prine later in the show as they appeared together. What a show. I miss him dearly.

[krustybiker]

I think if you don't like this, you are either dead or deaf. This may not be the best performance, but how can ANYONE stack up against Johnny Cash, Arlo Guthrie or Willie Nelson.

What would I have given to be able to write something up to ten percent of the quality of this, though

[throbbylovegusset]

Hell, I can live with this version!!!!

[getsallad]

Personally I think this is the very best rendition of the song. Hands down.

[skontch1]

don't know who said it, but they called this the best damned railroad song ever written...you'll get no argument from me...rip steve

[bushybottom]

I think Kristofferson said that. He was probably right.

[suffisance]

Best damn song might be more to the point!

[tyroneharris]

Oh man.  I'm so ready for Cubs Baseball to start.

[davetheuncle]

As i approuch 60 years of age,there are quite a few songwriters dead or alive that most people don't know. Steve Goodman.Randy Newman.Hoyt Axton are just a few. I was priviliaged to know these songsters when I was a young man. It is part of our heritage and what makes songwriting a unique American trait.

[goldsmithstudent]

steve could really pick a guitar also

[pablocruiser]

songs like this seem like they fall out of the sky, written by gods. almost too good to be human. and what sweet guitar picking. this guy was one of a kind.

[eradiodesign]

Very well said my friend. :-)

[ruthrich]

poetic and well said!

[freewayfrank]

@pablocruiser

I saw him perform this song dozens of times in 1971 when I was a freshman at Northwestern. He could come out in front of 10,000 people with just a guitar and a smile and completely charm and rock the audience. He was as sweet as he sounds and not long for this world. What a loss, his passing; and yet I think of him and feel the same love and hope that i did then everytime anyone sings this song. Look at how many people have covered it. What a tribute!

[Earthdancer46234]

@freewayfrank I am envious and great comment.

[HIGHROLLERJIW]

Is this the same steve goodman that wrote "the perfect country western song"?

[TaylorSwiftRocss]

Yes, it is.

[HIGHROLLERJIW]

thank you

[goodguyradio]

Yes, but he wrote MANY perfect songs

[apache1616]

anybody who went to school at the U of I, or Southern Illinois knows this train.

[Texile1]

The train ran from Chicago IL to New Orleans LA on the Gulf Coast. When it was announced that the train would cease service, mindful of it's historic role in northern migration and it's place in railroading history, Steve bought a ticket for it's last run, and wrote this song. Bobby Kennedy may well have ridden the train, but it was the City of New Orleans well before that, and is fondly remebered. AmTrak has now resumed the service and the name, but it's not the train Steve sang about.

[GoodOldGar]

Actually, he wrote the major part of the song on the train en route to his wife's grandmother's house. The City of New Orleans ceased running some time well after that.

[Texile1]

Sorry,

When the Illinois Central passenger service became part of Amtrak, there was a last train, and he was on it. He told me so at the Earl of Old Town, hence the line This train has the disappearing railroad blues.

[MrFricknfrack936]

i really like this original. arlo guthrie is awesome but this guy takes the cake.

[Pickotheday]

I saw Steve play with John Prine in England- they were very funny and the music was great.

BTW the City of New Orleans was the campaign train of Bobby Kennedy. I believe Steve, along with other musicians including Bobby Darin, was a supporter on that cross country trip. Those guys would have loved to see President Obama in the White House.

America at its best.

[greengringo2003]

So far as your last, you mean Socialism at its worst.  Read up!

[purveyor24]

To "greengringo2003".....was 2003 the year you graduated from high school? In deference to Mr Goodman, since this could be a song lyric, but " those who can't define what they're afraid of, use terms they've only heard of !"......Read up!

[jakora95]

Great song!!

We've sung this song in our school

five stars

[Gitmann1]

Amazing how many other artist have recorded this song. A tribute to greatness. Steve was an exceptional writer and performer. He is still missed.

[danalan666]

somebodey= better learn this guy how to play this song!! he messes up the corus !!!

[bobhensel]

This is the person who wrote the song.

[getsallad]

He wrote it, and this is by far the best rendition of the song. It's actually folk now, and not filled of countless country clichés. Those ruin the song.

[ledder68]

Ever listen to Woody singing This land is your land? It's pretty wild listening to the composer sing the song that was made famous by someone else.

(I never knew the original lyric was "magic carpets made of steam.")

Pete Seeger said that one of the things that Woody taught him was that you can mix the best of the old and the new.

[argyleed]

This is one of the greatest folk songs ever written. Can you believe this compared to contemporary crap like Brooks or Keith...end of civilisation................th­is is poetry

[rushe2]

Growing up in the superboonies , the cornfields, of chicgo had the pleasure of enjoying Goodman,Prine, Bonnie kolock. aslo touring regulary were Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Fantastic music scene .

[fadguru]

Wow, This song is special, especially when you're from Kankakee and you rode on that train many, many times. And what really makes it special is hearing the song sung by the person who wrote it. This is one of those tunes that you never get tired of hearing.

[kinskifreak]

I always thought that Arlo did an amazing job, but this is just stunning... what an amazing song this that it sounds great whoever it may sings...

tremendous!

[rontubba]

Over many years and lots of tunes I always came back to City of New Orleans as my all-time favorite. I thought it was sung and written by Arlo. Today on a lazy Sunday I went to the Internet to answer a 1-word lyric question and now 2hours later I know the real author and this now ranks as a rival "favorite" version. I intend to learn more about Steve.

[agnesmoorhead]

God Bless You, Steve.

[jconti2266]

Steve really was a one of a kind performer and a songwriting genius. He is still missed. Great song!

[skiloveruk]

Been said many a time on this site, but.....

Thanks so much for sharing this great recording!

Now it's also my fave version of this song.

[DoubleDutchBust]

sean-yeah

SeeMyWhitePantsAndMyBeard yes

CityofNewOrleansSteveGoodmang

Just letting all know BRBrnEySwed

You never left-shh..dont tell anyone-

secret-wink wink gotcha-

dot

bobalouiess

neworleansg

[bobalouiess]

It doesn't get any better than this!!  Writing, singing, or playing!

[GirlGeorgeTVshow]

GREAT SONG

[tpwhittemore]

I like every version of this song that I've ever heard. That just shows how great a song this is. My favorite version though was by The Country Gentlemen on their Sit Down Young Stranger album.

[87cadillachearse]

I love this song so much. I realy dig the Arlo verions, he does great with the Boston Pops. It is nice to hear the writer do it too. Goodman is a lost songwriter in my opinion. We all know the songs, but we don't know where they came from.

[GilliganHelene94]

I Grew Up On This Song ~

[king7wood]

Way cool, thanks for sharing this...

[stardancing7]

Steve Goodman has such a great and unique voice. I have always been a fan of all his music. I have his albums and now some cds. Even though Arlo Guthrie does a great job on this song please know that Steve wrote this song. He is an amazing musician as well! I love everything he sings!

[chamberlandbigshtyle]

Fine job on this one... We need just a little more love 'round here....

[shandamoon]

Thanks for the memories. I remember hearing this live on the radio.

[paxpaul]

Thank you for this! I usually listen to the songwriters' versions of their songs, but I love the Arlo and Willie versions so much that I never listened to this.

Goodman has such a gentle singing style, it almost feels like he's just sitting there telling a story--which is the best kind of folk singing IMHO. I can just imagine him, Arlo, and Willie performing this together; instead of the Three Tenors of opera, they'd be the Three Pickers of folk. :)

Anyway, thanks again for sharing!

[UbiDuboi]

steve goodman died of leukemia

[Guildmark]

It's become a true American classic and I'm very fond of Steve's own performance. Gotta tell a though, the moving picture part of this video pretty much sucks.

[saxismyaxe]

Best version of this song IMO. Not surprising that the composer knew the best way to interpret and perform it. ;)

[mijo22222]

My high school friend. Great Guy!

[Hoshimaru57]

I'll bet he is/was.

That's an interesting distinction.

[mijo22222]

We were very good friends. Ate lunch together everyday. He was bright and very funny but most of all KIND! It was a blow when he passed away!

[tarzanlordofthe]

I'll bet. He left us all a more than wonderful song for which we should all be thankful.

[jdf1955]

Steve Goodman wrote this song.

[Starz76]

Does he sing "Good Morning American"? or "Good Morning America"? Anyway, it's an incredible song. Brilliant lyrics and melody. I have to say that Arlo gives it more of a melodic pop feel that I prefer but Steve's version is more down home folk. Either way the song is so great.

[KaratenKit]

Good Morning America!!! :D

[freecell14745]

dont hate me but i like arlos a little better

[KaratenKit]

Everyone their own taste :) can'twist about that

[Hoshimaru57]

Yeah, this one is a bit harder to keep up with.

Not bad.

It all depends on taste.

[TheLastNail]

Arlo does a fine version of a fine song as well. Can't fault you for that.

[dgd187]

What a great song.

[Crustman1957]

I saw steve goodman in concert at convocation hall at the u of t in toronto. He opened for john prine that night. I love john prine, but steve gave one of the best shows i have ever seen. So humble on stage, I never will forget.

[louswire]

Arlo did a nice job on this song... but I still like Steve's version better... and I still miss his music...

[TheLastNail]

What a great guy. I love John Prine telling the story about how they used to send each the same birthday card and scatch out the name each year and send it back to the other. Must have broken John's heart to not get that card again. I just lost my father to cancer last Friday. It's what we all go through, losing the ones we care about, but so nice to think about the good times we had. Never heard a bad word about Goodman. He lived his name.

[SSchus87]

Simply the best singer/songwriter ever. Steve Goodman has been sadly missed for the last 24 years, but his legacy lives on for many of us. America, do yourself a favor, and learn about Steve Goodman.

[lampbrain]

I removed the comment about losing your father 30 years ago by accident. sorry whomever it was.  Meant to click reply.

[UbiDuboi]

john prine still misses him.

so do I

[goodguyradio]

One of the finest singer/songwriters at his very best. His death left a huge void in the music business-I still miss him

[TheRealBlackHair]

Fabulous!

[Pavl1801]

i just faught a serious bout of goosebumps.

[btbisbee]

I was lucky enough to see Steve and John Prine together in Tucson sometime in the 1980s He looked rough. It must have been hard to be his friend and see him slip away.

I like the post here that says we've defeated death. Thanks for bringing him back.

[Splinter363]

doesn't get much better

[mrsuavelukez12]

beautiful song!

[mjakubi]

we make art so that words are not the only way to communicate with one another" I can not believe Mr. Goodman has been dead for 23 years.......

[edithhughes]

what a strange time we live in: we've defeated death. thanks

[avianpattern]

awesome. thanks for the upload.