He was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, where his father was a barber who loved music and inspired Billy to teach himself to play the mandolin at age 3, while suffering a case of the measles. He went on to learn a number of other instruments.
In 1941, Vaughn joined the United States National Guard for what had been planned as a one-year assignment, but when World War II broke out, he was sent abroad till the war ended in 1945. He decided to make music a career when he was discharged from the army at the end of the war, and attended Western Kentucky State College, now known as Western Kentucky University, majoring in music composition. He had apparently learned barbering from his father, because he did some while studying at Western Kentucky to support himself financially, when he was not able to get jobs playing the piano at local night clubs and lounges. While he was a student there, three other students, Jimmy Sacca, Donald McGuire and Seymour Spiegelman, who had formed a vocal trio, The Hilltoppers, recruited Vaughn to play the piano with them. He soon added his voice to theirs, converting the trio to a quartet. As a member of the group, he also wrote their first hit song, Trying, which charted in 1952.
In 1954 he left the group to join Dot Records in Gallatin, Tennessee as music director. He subsequently formed his own orchestra, which had a big hit in that same year with Melody of Love. He went on to have many more hits over the next decade and a half, and based purely on chart successes, was the most successful orchestra leader of all time.
Orange Blossom Special
Billy Vaughn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comin' down that railroad track
Hey, look a-yonder comin'
Comin' down that railroad track
It's the Orange Blossom Special
Bringin' my baby back
Well, I'm going down to Florida
Or maybe California
And get some sand in my shoes
I'll ride that Orange Blossom Special
And lose these New York blues
Hey, talk about a-ramblin'
She's the fastest train on the line
Talk about a-travellin'
She's the fastest train on the line
It's that Orange Blossom Special
Rollin' down the seaboard line
The song "Orange Blossom Special" by Billy Vaughn is a classic train song that revolves around the adventures of a man traveling across the United States to escape the monotony of his current life. The song is full of evocative and powerful imagery as it describes the journey of the Orange Blossom Special train from Florida up to New York.
The first verse sets the scene with the singer seeing the train coming down the tracks. The train itself is described as the Orange Blossom Special, which immediately gives the listener a sense of something special and unique. The second verse tells us that the singer is going on a journey down to Florida, or perhaps California, to get some sand in his shoes and escape the "New York blues". He plans to ride the Orange Blossom Special to do this.
The third verse is all about the train itself. It talks about how fast it is, and how it's the fastest train on the line. The imagery creates a sense of excitement and freedom, as if riding the Orange Blossom Special is more than just a journey - it's an adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Look a-yonder comin'
The singer is excitedly pointing out something in the distance.
Comin' down that railroad track
The thing the singer is excited about is getting closer and closer.
Hey, look a-yonder comin'
The singer is drawing others' attention to the approaching object.
It's the Orange Blossom Special
The artist has identified the object as a specific train called the Orange Blossom Special.
Bringin' my baby back
The artist is anticipating being reunited with their loved one, who is arriving on the train.
Well, I'm going down to Florida
The singer is planning a trip to Florida.
And get some sand in my shoes
The singer wants to spend time walking on the beach in Florida.
Or maybe California
The artist is considering going to California instead of Florida.
And get some sand in my shoes
The artist plans to walk on the beach in California, just like they would in Florida.
I'll ride that Orange Blossom Special
The artist has decided to take the Orange Blossom Special train for their trip.
And lose these New York blues
The singer hopes that the trip on the train will help them forget their problems in New York City.
Hey, talk about a-ramblin'
The artist is now excitedly talking about the train's capabilities for traveling long distances quickly and efficiently.
She's the fastest train on the line
The Orange Blossom Special train is renowned for its speed and efficiency compared to other trains on the same route.
Talk about a-travellin'
The singer is once again expressing admiration for the train's ability to travel long distances.
It's the Orange Blossom Special
The singer reiterates that they are talking specifically about the Orange Blossom Special train.
Rollin' down the seaboard line
The train is currently traveling along the route that runs parallel to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERVIN THOMAS ROUSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Saulino
I heard this version as a very young boy; it stuck on me like glue. I didn't know a thing about genre; I knew I liked it and wanted it to last much longer.
Jaime Padilla
Recuerdos muy nostálgicos de mi niñez; muy alegre melodía. La gran orquesta del maestro Billy Vaunghn. Gracias, muchas gracias por subirla a Youtube.
BelfastBailey
One of the absolute BEST memories of my childhood and one of the very few GOOD memories of my father. This was our favorite song to watch him dance to. We do not speak any longer, but this always reminds me of us kids watching him dance around the family room and we would try to join in. This was and is THE VERSION in my mind...the one I grew up on. Thank you, Billy Vaughn, and thanks for posting it! :-)
Francesco Alcozer
Billy Vaughn is a music genius. Greetings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf3ejUUH8UA COME💘SEPTEMBER Memorable song by Billy 💙 Vaughn also performed by The 💚 Ventures
Gloria Oralia Juárez Rodríguez
Me fascina toda la música de Billy Vaughn
Larry Echols
This music is so exciting, it makes me dance, I play it over and over. The O.B. S. for ever.
Virginia Avaca
Maravillosa Orquesta de siempre inolvidable me encanta ❤❤❤❤😘🙋👏👏👏👏👏
Marisa Valerio
orquestra maravilhosa
KA7EII
One of my favorite "Billy Vaughn" instrumental tunes. The scenery in your video is beautiful!
Marisa Valerio
Maravilhosa orquestra