All around the water tank waiting for a train
A thousand miles away from home sleeping in the rain
I walked up to a brakeman gave him a line of talk
He said if you've got money boy I'll see that you don't walk
I haven't got a nickel not a penny can I show
Get off get off you railroad bum and he slammed the boxcar door

He put me off in Texas a state I dearly love
The wide open spaces all around me the moon and stars up above
Nobody seems to want me or to lend me a helping hand
I'm on my way from Frisco going back to Dixie Land
Though my pocketbook is empty and my heart is full of pain
I'm a thousand miles away from home just a waiting for a train

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jimmie Rodgers's song "Waiting for a Train" paint a vivid picture of a drifter's journey, with imagery and storytelling that beautifully convey a sense of loneliness, longing, and resilience.

The first verse sets the scene of the drifter waiting for a train, huddled around a water tank a thousand miles away from home, sleeping in the rain. He approaches a brakeman, hoping to hitch a ride, but is turned away because he has no money. The rejection is harsh and final, punctuated by the slam of the boxcar door. The second verse finds him stranded in Texas, with no one willing to offer him help or companionship. Despite the pain and hardship of the journey, he remains determined to reach his destination in Dixie Land, his heart full of pain but his spirit unbroken.

The lyrics are a powerful expression of the human desire to belong and to find a place to call home. The drifter's journey is a metaphor for the struggles we all face in life, as we try to navigate the complexities of the world and find our place in it. The song also speaks to the power of music as a source of comfort and solace, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics conveying a sense of empathy and understanding for anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.

Line by Line Meaning

All around the water tank waiting for a train
I am waiting near the water source for the arrival of the train.

A thousand miles away from home sleeping in the rain
I am very far from my home, sleeping in the rain.

I walked up to a brakeman gave him a line of talk
I approached a worker on the train and tried to convince him to help me.

He said if you’ve got money boy I'll see that you don't walk
The worker offered to help me if I had money to pay for my journey.

I haven't got a nickel not a penny can I show
I have no money to pay for the train journey.

Get off get off you railroad bum and he slammed the boxcar door
The worker refused to help me and kicked me off the train.

He put me off in Texas a state I dearly love
The worker kicked me off the train in the state of Texas, which I enjoy being in.

The wide open spaces all around me the moon and stars up above
I am surrounded by the vast open spaces of the outdoors and can see the moon and stars in the sky.

Nobody seems to want me or to lend me a helping hand
I feel like no one wants to help me or offer me assistance.

I'm on my way from Frisco going back to Dixie Land
I am traveling from San Francisco to Southern parts of the United States.

Though my pocketbook is empty and my heart is full of pain
Even though I have no money and I feel emotional pain.

I'm a thousand miles away from home just a waiting for a train
I am very far from my home and am waiting for a train to come.

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMIE RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@thebillyjohighband6672

1y↑50

That's one of the first songs I ever learned, thanks to my grandpa.

@bobertkallahan4392

1y↑47

This man changed everything for country music like ol Woodie changed it all for folk. Hard cut men from this time simply are no longer. Any Footage of them is incredibly important to the history of the genres.

@andrewhanson5942

1y↑4

True. Doc Watson picked up on a lot of Jimmie's work and kept it going for a few decades there.

@cfpianoman

18y↑44

I just lost my mother recently. She and I would listen to Jimmie Rodgers, and the tribute album that Merle Haggard did on Jimmie Rodgers when I was a child. "Waiting For a Train" brought her back to me for a moment tonight. I thank you.

@taylorharbin3948

1y↑7

There is such purity in a simple song.

@Themaintrain

17y↑32

I'm from Meridian, MS. I noticed none of the comments mention the Jimmie Rogders Memorial Festival they hold in the spring each year. I've seen almost everyone in country music playing there. I've seen Willie, Waylon, Hank Jr, Conway, and all the greats! They come to pay tribute to the Father of Country Music!

@cindysherf8818

3y↑96

This is the father of country music plain and simple

@christopheranderson601

Hello Cindy, How are you doing?

@Tob1Kadach1

2y↑5

Disputed by some but I do agree, he may not of founded country but he was it's 1st star

@haplessasshole9615

50w

@@Tob1Kadach1 No, that'd be Vernon Dalhart, who recorded the first million-selling record in any genre with his version of "The Wreck of the Old 97" in May of 1924. Rodgers was first recorded in 1927 in the same Bristol recording session which introduced The Carter Family to prominence.

@TomVenamOfficial

42w↑2

@@Tob1Kadach1 Well Vernon Dalhart was the first to have a country record to sell a million, but he really had a pop music background, which is what he had come to be known for in the 15 years prior. Jimmie was the first to really leave a big mark.

@clevebaker8399

27w

And the Carter family 😊

1 More Replies...

@jerlan23

14y↑189

I almost can't hear this without crying for my Dad. He was one of the millions of men who rode the freight trains looking for work during the Great Depression. Many a time he was far from home, starving, and broken hearted. He once ate magpie eggs to survive. This could be a biography of him during that time. Thank you, Jimmie Rodgers. And thank you, psteve, for posting.

@tommyo8967

Gandy dancers

@andrewhanson5942

1y↑5

Impressive credentials. Folks that came before us certainly had a harder life than we do.

@alexanderclambell9188

36w↑226

Who else is here in late 2024 just appreciating this masterpiece

@grizzlybear4

36w↑6

Hi! I'm loving hearing this again.❤

@MrDavidknigge

33w↑1

My first time hearing Mr, Rogers. I had to hear what all the fuss was about. Now I know. The man was a unique sorta special, for sure.

@Spiderman-tg9ke

33w↑2

@npx_riff_lift-g

31w↑1

Yessir!

@WallaceLea

29w↑2

My dad often would whistle his songs while working. Dad was born 1906.

16 More Replies...

@brucebarton8767

26w↑12

My Dad loved to sing that song!
He's been gone 25 years.
Love you, Mom & Dad!

@ATSF1927

12y↑298

I remember Jimmie, he past away when I was 6 years old in 1933. My parents and all my brothers and sisters and me loved listening to him.

@overratedprogrammer

5y↑11

How often would you listen to music back then? I'm young and just curious since I listen to music a lot but it is a lot easier nowadays

@lassejohaneira9641

4y↑11

@@overratedprogrammer hes probly dead, was born in `27

@jennietidwell4981

4y↑7

My dad sang this when I was a child, I just happened to remember it this morning.

@jennietidwell4981

4y↑3

@@lassejohaneira9641 my dad was stationed at the navy base Alameda in san fransisco.

@jennietidwell4981

4y↑6

My dad use to sing it, when I was a child. I just happen to remember some of the words and googled it, this morn, seems to me he use to call him little jimmy rodgers.

17 More Replies...

@MikeBlitzMag

15y↑53

That a high quality video clip of the great Jimmie Rodgers has survived is nothing short of answered prayer. Absolutely phenomenal and indispensible.

@lmt7864

7y↑21

I can see my Dad sitting at the table singing along with Jimmy Rodger particularly Waiting for a Train, it’s something that has stayed with me. I just love it. What an incredible talent Jimmy was. So many memories of my Dad who was so full of emotion and love he played all the old country artists music but Jimmy was his favourite.

@holleefielder4100

7y↑1

Oh what a precious memory of your Daddy. I miss mine so much, too. My Daddy would sing Hank Williams Sr. I thought he was singing about my Momma....and it made me sad for him and mad at Momma for treating him so mean.

@adalbertotrevor6461

@@holleefielder4100 hi there!

@gareof

17y↑10

american music owes a ton to j.r. so glad music history is found here on you tube - everything from folk / country to jazz / rock / r & b / and the big bands / thanks for posting this one

@bzzzzap

12y↑135

Every child should be taught about Jimmie Rodgers.

@kidorce

5y↑2

@Nishan B same

@maxy2975

5y↑1

Nah

@ShadowCry1558

5y↑2

@Nishan B Same Here!

@BAGOTCORNER

4y↑1

Why ?

@loganmai1812

4y↑2

I’m teaching myself, very happy I am

@AmericanActionReport

27w↑5

I became a fan of Jimmie Rodgers when I was a college student over 50 years ago, thanks to Merle Haggard's tribute album. "Waiting for a Train" was my favorite. Thanks for posting it.

@gb2115

4y↑35

So pure. The lines about Texas make me tear up.

It’s his gratitude in the simple things that sustain him despite his misfortune.

Simple lyrics but the theme cuts so deep. Perhaps one can only understand it after living for a while.

@GeorgeVreelandHill

14y↑7

Jimmie Rodgers sure could sing. Country at its best. I love his music. George Vreeland Hill

@georgemorenstein

27w

He's okay, but Corey Feldman plays country best.

@IhateGary

17y↑25

Man, the woman next to him probably lived through the Civil War. Rodgers is an Icon - love this!

@mikedinken8020

1y↑3

The woman you identified was an English actress with beautiful diction and the carriage of a Shakespearean trouper

@townnerd1

12y↑33

i was left some Jimmy Rogers records (about 10 of them) when my Grandfather passed. I remember him telling me that they were coming my way when he died. I crank them once in a while, Great music!

@robinbobbin75155

3y↑3

What an amazing inheritance!

@Lance-Stroll

5y↑310

0 voice lessons. 0 sound effects. 100% talent

@chord_0121

5y↑8

Indeed

@carmenhardy2629

3y↑5

He sure had perfect pitch.

@patriciajrs46

3y↑5

Such beautiful voice. I love his guitar, too. His yodeling didn't hurt either.
Thanks for the upload.

@32a34a

2y↑5

@@patriciajrs46 Nor did the train whistle coming from his soul.

@nozecone

2y↑3

"O sound effects"? Didn't you hear that lonesome whistle blow?

2 More Replies...

@adolpholiverbush2

11y↑216

The original country badass.
Grew up hearing my grandad sing these songs.

@da324

6y↑4

@@Remembering-rq6si Badass is profanity? Are you happy whining about insignificant shit?

@patriciaoreilly8907

Lol

@w6p7a

Remembering 1992, what is it that you are remembering about 1992?

@kevinmac1989

My grandfathers yodel sounded just the same.

@Pauls_balls

@@Remembering-rq6si Okay he sweared so what? Swearing doesn't make you a middle school kid, I'm 15 and I swear once in a while still

3 More Replies...

@rjon5624

27w↑2

One of a kind. I’m 71 and I appreciate this video very much.
Thank you!

@Chris-wj8fz

27w

Yep I am.72 in Australia 🇦🇺 my dad loved this but I do not think JR is appreciated in.our cities but our country singers did like Slim Dusty

@colton9016

1y↑16

This has got to be one of the history's first music videos

@jimmierodgerstribute

50w↑2

It is the first ever

@banjodonnie

14y↑12

At 82 I obviously had heard of Jimmie Rodgers, but could not recall hearing him. So, I decided to search for his music. Fantastic! What a great performer and what wonderful songs and records. His works should be kept before the public so that young people can hear real talent. GX Hillbilly

@dreadnought45

15y↑21

Jimmy Rogers is the "Father" of country music. Hank Snow's and Ernest Tubb's favourite singer. The country singers (so-called ) of to-day should get down on their knees and thank this man for their careers. Ken, Toronto

@tdotgirl85

15y↑11

jimmie rogers reminds me of my father, he used to play all his songs and sing them for me. Brings back great memories, thanks for sharing.

@erinikeuchi6447

26w↑3

The dna of country music starts here in this generation!

@robinbobbin75155

13y↑56

I love Jimmie Rodgers. My Dad & I were always amazed at how he did the train whistle.

@trevoradalberto5588

5y↑1

Hi there!

@christopherbrian8638

Hi 👋

@jerrysharp4501

My mothers family name is Barry

@reno145

17y↑6

Meridian, Mississippi. Two of the greatest things in America came from there: Jimmie and Peavey Electronics!

@horarwgt

16y↑10

This footage is from the 1929 Columbia short "The Singing Brakeman," in which Jimmie sang "Waiting for a Train", "Daddy and Home" and "T for Texas", all his own compositions. This film was his ONLY motion picture appearance. Rodgers died of TB in 1935 at the age of 33.

@linnfairchild229

2y↑7

I'm 40. Jimmie is a legend!!
🎸🎶🎶😁♥️

@emtube9298

19y↑2

How great to have this momento of this seminal singer and of a byegone age. Thanks for sharing!

@Dallas-Nyberg

15y↑28

Love his pick and strum style - he was an absolute legend

@karensimons5387

37w↑1

and still is.

@TimothyBIinks

13y↑62

Damn. This is one of the best things I've ever seen on youtube. We are so lucky to actually have hi-quality footage of Jimmie Rodgers playing music... for so many of his contemporaries (Woody Guthrie, Carter Family, all the early acoustic bluesmen) there's basically nothing.

@lauramickey9789

7y↑9

My daddy used to sing this to us kids when we were young. When I played it just now, my dad's voice and jimmies merged in my mind.

@trevoradalberto5588

Hi there!

@jimcarter1551

5y↑2

I love this song and the rest that he did. I sung this song to my grandson when he was a baby and he asked me to sing it to him just before he went to bed tonight,he's 6. I showed him the video he said wow. My favorite singer and has been since I was a teenager,I'm 63. I've got a 5CD set of all his recordings.

@zerbinettabelling5135

8y↑3

Amazing and talented. So glad it's not lost for future generations. Thanks to everyone trying to preserve all these golden oldies

@careyrowland

3y↑3

This is American history! Thanks, psteve, for putting it out here for us.

@twinPaula12

15y↑10

This is the first time I knew Jimmie blew the train whistle himself here. I have always loved all of his music and his guitar playing is quite unique. The guitar sounds beautiful. It's wonderful that Jimmie got to live his life the way he wanted. Entertaining and also working on the railroad with his father sounds like an interesting life though a short one. He was one of the greatest talents - true blues sung like no one else. Thank you for posting this. - Paula

@playitstrange129

It was his brother he worked with. Not his father.

@digbydog9505

2y↑1

This video came out when i was 2…

this is such a good song and i am so happy Inscryption gave me the knowledge of this

@holleefielder4100

7y↑6

Wow! What an influential musician, and prolific. 100 Songs written by him within a very short time frame. Roots music is the foundation of all other genres. Americans in general do not appreciate our Roots music. Mr. Rodgers left us quite an impressive catalog and seeing him here in person as it were is very cool. He died so young. Thank you for posting this amazing singer/song writer.

@jeffdamon1098

27w↑1

Love this.glad it's posted.

@jeffdamon1098

27w

2024

@nana13831

10y↑68

Depression time, This was one of my Father's favorite songs. Reflected the status of the unemployed. 1929.

@beardedyodeler

17y↑6

Jimmie Rodgers was one cool customer. His songs are timeless and his yodeling is hard to beat. The stories he tells in his songs are absolutely amazing. I need my name in my guitar like he has.

@markmarkofkane8167

6y↑6

Great stuff! My Grandparents probably listened to this. My father may have too. He was born in 1930. Passed on.

@glennjohnson8170

7y↑1

Glenn Johnson Probably one of my favourite country songs of all time and how wonderful that Jimmie made the short film that included this performance.Love the old country and WESTERN songs.Thanks for uploading this!!

@fredhogaboom9147

3y↑7

This is what country music was meant to be, not the glitz and glam being shown today!

@TomSpeaks-vw1zp

34w

Well, everything moves forward. Be it good or bad.

@hilmarwensorra1215

3y↑6

In very loving memory of Mr. James Charles Rodgers (1897 - 1933 R.I.P. // Gone but NOT forgotten).

@Claycat4

17y↑5

My father used to sing this to me when I was a little girl. He sang it in a much sadder tone, and I would cry and cry! My Dad lived through the depression, and he knew what it was to be hungry!

@lindaweaverclarke

I came upon this song when going through my mother's memoirs. She wrote the words in a notebook as if it was one she wanted to remember. She even had the "yodel" written down. Haha. I love it. Not knowing what this song was like or the tune, I decided to do a search online and found it here. I'm so glad we have YouTube for this very reason, because I can find out what songs my mother listened to and enjoyed.

@holleefielder4100

Sorry to hear of your loss. Lost my mom as well in the past year or so. I hang on to those little glimpses into her mind and soul like you do. Your post touched me deeply thank you for sharing that. I am crying again.

@adalbertotrevor6461

Hi there!

@aboutyabalmuanabi3103

8y↑57

James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers (September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933) was an American country singer in the early 20th century, known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling. Among the first country music superstars and pioneers, Rodgers was also known as "The Singing Brakeman", "The Blue Yodeler", and "The Father of Country Music"

@workingguy-OU812

4y↑4

Thank you for adding this. I had no idea he was inducted to both the country music and rock & roll hall of fames. Incredible.

@deewesthill1213

@@workingguy-OU812 Why would Jimmie Rodgers be in the rock and roll hall of fame, since that style of music didn't appear until 20 years after his death?!

@miss-liberty9998

Someone told me he's African American is that true?

@donmorris3376

27w↑1

Been a fan of Jimmie Rodgers for decades and have some albums by him, but this is the first time I've ever seen a video of him! Thank you!

@paul-young

9y↑138

Well.............Jimmie Rodgers.. in his grave..... still singing.. ... tuberculosis...and ..says omg...... 1.5 million views... he knew someday he'd be known as a legend.. .. You'll never die. Love ya.. Jimmie...Wish you survived till 1952.....or more... ya know??? .. blessings to younger generations...

@drunkredneck6837

8y↑14

I'm 15 now and I love jimmy

@wwevideo12345

7y↑1

Why did you write it like that

@wwevideo12345

7y↑1

Can u please tell me I really want to know.

@treystewart9812

7y↑1

I'm 33 and he's one of my faves!

@treystewart9812

+Billy Murray fan I'll check em out!

3 More Replies...

@rodgermac

17y↑2

As a boy growing up in the fifties, I heard this stuff all the time. LOVE IT!!!!! I just wish I wasn't such a slug on this computer, so I could put it on a disc so my Dad could see it. I can atleast put it on my favorite list. Thanks.

@overratedprogrammer

I could've helped you but unfortunately I'm seeing this 12 years later. Hope your dad saw it

@certainlyanodd1

7y↑3

Heard about this song a couple of years ago.... not everyone has forgotten! :D

@melodyplayer

18y↑2

my father sang this song and played the guitar just like Jimmie Rogers...great preservation!!!

@TheFobster

16y↑10

I love this song. It's great how he makes the train whistle at the beginning too. :)

@joehuddleston8671

4y↑4

This man almost is responsible for what getting Country Music so popular is his best ever feat. Yodeling like no other combined with down to earth country singing. Thank you Jimmy for ever in our hearts and mine gathering more country music and bring to popularity. Joehuddleston10

@colindominy

17y↑3

Thank the lord, and thank you psteve, that we can get to see this legendary master of country-folk music in action, on modern-day technology like YouTube. And thank god to those who were originally responsible for the movie-footage of JR. It's one thing to be able to listen to an artist's magnificent work on record ; but it's an immensely added-value privilege to be able to see that same artist in action, on film. This clip is just wonderful !!

@papawx3

19y↑1

Perhaps one of the first music "videos". I buried my grandmother last month {95yrs of age} she was his biggest fan. There can't be very many of the original fans left.

@lapdawg60

9y↑27

I love that old song, too. Simplicity in all its perfectness.

@lindajordan6877

My mom used to sing this song to me, that was back in the 50s she passed away when I was nine years old and I just got to thinking about that song tonight and it just got to me so much. I had to search for it on YouTube. Thank you for having it.❤❤❤

@rescue270

7y↑4

He wrote this song while waiting for a train at the depot in Kerrville, TX. It was the end of the line so the only way the train could go was back down toward San Antonio.
Part of the depot remains as a restaurant now. The railroad and the trains are long gone from Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, never to return.

@isaiah434ruby

16y↑2

My father was an avid Jimmy Rodgers fan. We drove to Texas in 1957, I filmed dad holding Jimmy's guitar, when we met his wife Carrie. That smile was great. We met Jim Evans, president of the Jimmy Rodgers fan club, Lubbock, Tx. He showed us this fim on a 16 mm projector. Wow! Dad would put a record on the phonograph and see if I could name the song before words were begun. This brings back a lot of memories. Never dreamed of seeing it again.

@adalbertotrevor6461

Hi there!

@lewismacfadyen5657

4y↑276

I’m 17 and love this, we’re not all bad

@Avocado7765

4y↑13

@fishin9157

4y↑13

@armand-san9441

4y↑9

18 from swisszerland 😍

@tise2277

4y↑6

@Vanasse1

3y↑6

That’s awesome, hun.

41 More Replies...

@jwbhomer

14y↑1

I had no idea this movie existed. Thanks so much for bringing it to us.

@PhillipCreeper

18y↑3

I first heard him in the 70s and brought all his albums. He was fantastic in his day and still is great. Sing Jimmie! And man could he yodel!

@jcal5905

1y↑1

Jimmie Rogers often stayed in my grandparents home when riding the rails and overnighted in Memphis as did other railroad men since my grandfather and uncles all worked on the railroad. I heard a lot about his playing for them - and the neighbors .

@skellywager

18y↑3

im 19 and i love jimmie rodgers, got his record off my neighbours recently cant stop listening to it, try and tell my friends about him but no one gives him a second which is a shame really.would have loved to have lived through his time music now is over produced and its only about image now and musical originality is non existnt at the moment.

@overratedprogrammer

I was about to say I'm 19 too but then I saw that this was posted 13 years ago. Hard to believe a 19 year old that commented on this video is 32 now. It's hard to imagine that much time going by

@skellywager

5y↑1

@@overratedprogrammer Jimmie Rodgers made me lose it. Stay away, listened to him all the time and after a binge I went out on the street and crushed a dogs head in with my hands. I knew I was ready then to try a man. Been in prison since.

@overratedprogrammer

@@skellywager lmao what

@adelechicken6356

I love this, sitting on the porch after supper, Jimmie playing and singing, someone in the kitchen finishing chores and granny darning socks. I can tell what she is doing by her hand movements and the yarn being pulled through the stitches she is anchoring the mend with. I grew up listening to Jimmie's music and my mom taught me how to darn socks. ❤

@dkguitarzan

17y↑3

I... am ... sooo happy that I can die happy now because of this video!!!!!!! This is one of my favorite Jimmie songs ever! Jimmie is a hero to me and my music! I'm a cover this song and put it on the youtube tomorrow!! Thanks for uploading this!!

@jimmierodgerstribute

50w

I perform Jimmies music live for audiences now.
I played his songs to my grandmother on her last day.
His music is very special and we are lucky to have this video still.

Thanks Jimmie
And Ill continue to play your music every day until I too pass.

@gregorysullivan9371

10y↑9

Man Jimmie was a beauty, he loved that top E. Thanks!

@jayheartsusa

15y

In a 21st Century treasure chest that is available on YouTube, this shines high above so many great works of American culture.

@bobhostetler8548

6y↑8

Oh my my my .my first music hero. I didn't think I'd ever see a video of him

@ronaldlewis6062

6y↑4

Bob Hostetler mine too . My dad sang all Jimmy Rogers tunes and played a Martin gituar he bought in 53 we went to other folks houses ever Saturday night for country music. Ole martins still in the family. Country lives on!!

@bshuler2185

Bob Hostetler ~ yes, so glad my dad was able to see this before he passed, awesome video!

@king_fresh27

Your last name sounds incredibly familiar

@richardsouthern4248

6y↑1

I'm big Jimmie Rodgers fan all the way back to when I was a kid. In the original recorded (wax) version of this tune, the trumpet intro is played by Louis Armstrong--who just happened to be in the studio and was invited to participate.

@jerlan23

12y↑4

A wonderful piece of music history, and of the history of what happened to a lot of men during the Great Depression. My Dad was one of those men, who rode the freight trains around the country, looking for work.

@frankscarborough1428

3y↑2

My great grandfather was a railroad engineer he loved Jimmy Rodgers

@Juliemorgana

5y↑12

I never knew till now that Jimmie Rodgers made the train whistle sound with his voice and not with a harmonica!!! I've no idea how a person could do that.

@adalbertotrevor6461

Hi there!

@Tob1Kadach1

So lucky this footage was saved and can be enjoyed almost 94 years later. Really got in to country in my 20's but have at the age of 30 only recently discovered Jimmie Rodgers. Naturally I went out and bought a Boxset of pretty much all his songs. The original country star, and to think he was suffering from TB from 1925 until he died in 1933 and kept making & recording music for 6 years 1927-1933. Boggles my mind to that Jimmie died when future country legend Hank Williams was only 10 years old. He was a huge insperation not only to Country legends such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard & Hank Snow (who even named his son after him), but also to Blues legends ike Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf (who said Jimmie was his childhood idol).

@b26marauderpilot

14y↑12

OMG, how did he imitate a steam engine's whistle at the beginning of the song like that? Amazing!

@xMakeAJoyfulSound16x

13y↑2

bah, i love this song. My daddy showed it to me the other day, and i'm learning it by ear on the guitar♥ Apparently, my grandpa played this ALL the time. So, tribute to my grandpa♥ Gotta love oldies.

@rebsrule

17y↑3

I have great memories of going to the Jimmie Rodgers talent show, back when my uncle, Ken Rainey, helped organize it. Great memories.

@bookworm1962

15y↑1

my grandpa used to play this stuff on his fiddle, and sing and yodel too - I just love it!

@adalbertotrevor6461

Hi there!

@becausereasons9777

8y↑9

This is beautiful.

@kimblers

17y↑2

Years ago I was introduced to Jimmie Rodgers via Merle Haggard and about a decade ago I finally found Jimmie himself on CD. Great stuff.

@Tonetwisters

6y↑11

Even back then, collecting the first class Martins ... And wow. What a great song and performance.

@whispperson

17y↑2

Its Incredible to see Footage of this Great Man. As He Died So Young and so Long Ago. Thanks for this Footage.

@richardmartinez5938

3y↑3

My dad born in 1908 liked this man.

@jameslewis8303

1y↑1

When he was 15, he rode up to Garrison, KY and went to the local nightspot out on Kinniconick and met my Aunt Estelle, 19...
That's where my Uncle Oscar came from!!
She moved south and became known as his Aunt Estelle.
But, we know the true story.

@matthewmarriott8401

6y↑5

The man just loved playing music and he was one of those men with a very unique voice and his own style.i really miss him and his ways
If only he had lived a little longer can you imagine the songs he would have sang

@philwardification

15y

Juust seen Jimmie he's fantastic ! Can't stop watching his stuff! Love old stuff and i'm 55 !!!!

@mr.warmth1511

8y↑127

the real father of country music and the first video 1928

@holleefielder4100

7y↑9

Hey we need to credit Jimmie with not only inventing country music but also inventing the Music Video. Wonder if his estate could get a little kick-back from MTV

@kevinpage7816

6y↑3

Confirmed

@nathanperry6368

6y↑4

Eck Robertson is the godfather of country music. Country music would be nothing without the fiddle.

@gregoryjclark81

6y↑2

mr. warmth Not to seem overly scrutinizing here, but to ever refer to any artist as a ‘father’ of anything connotes one individual alone creating and establishing a new school to dig. One of the reasons ‘grandfather’ or even ‘godfather’, terms indicating generational time and clearly movements not only taking time to go through a metamorphosis, but that the players involved in an Argos of movement and much more numerous than meets the eye.

I more than concur with your sentiment, but a cat like JR deserves as specific language as possible.

@nathanperry6368

I agree that musical genre's are developed over time and most certainly by more than one man alone. But eck really is the godfather, 'Sallie gooden' is revered as the first country music recording ever, if the man to make the first country music recording in history can't be called the godfather of the genre then you are right, there is no godfather. For the record I love Jimmie and meant no disrespect to his music.

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@jonathanwilkinson1461

7y↑3

Today I went home...and listened to jimmie rodgers in my lunch break..

@alanarmstrong6347

12y↑8

Sang this song since I was 12 years old. Jim Reeves did a good version on his LP Countryside of Jim Reeves. Real talent was what these Old Timers had not like the rubbish that some pedal today as country music!

@allinsondixon8224

Bozz scags did it on a album

@ianmcglone

19y↑2

what a great voice and a great guitar! I love the way his name is inlaied in the finger board.

@SteelyDanimal

6y↑4

Thinking of my late Grandpa right now. This was his childhood music.

@tjski1

12y↑3

I live near Meridian, MS and didn't even know Jimmie Rodgers is from there and they have a museum for him as well...I plan to go check it out soon.

@wesstewart3087

6y↑8

A class act for sure! I'd love to have that old Martin !

@Starrfortythree

I finally found this song!!! I used to ask my Grandpa to sing it all the time but we always just called it the railway bum song. He must have treated us to this song thousands of times before heading to Heaven.

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