On the Atchison Topeka and the Sante Fe
Eddie Fisher Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do ya hear that whistle down the line?
I figure that it's engine number forty nine
She's the only one that'll sound that way
On the Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe

See the old smoke risin' 'round the bend
I reckon that she knows she's gonna meet a friend
Folks around these parts get the time of day
From The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe

Here she comes
Whoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Hey, Jim you'd better get the rig
Whoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
She's got a list o' passengers that's pretty big

And they'll all want lifts to Brown's Hotel
'Cause lots o' them been travelin' for quite a spell
All the way from Philadelphiay
On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe

All aboard, all aboard

Here she comes
Whoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Hey, Jim you'd better get the rig
Whoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
She's got a list o' passengers that's pretty big

And they'll all want lifts to Brown's Hotel
'Cause lots o' them been travelin' for quite a spell




All the way from Philadelphiay
On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eddie Fisher's song "On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" capture the excitement and anticipation surrounding the arrival of a train. The singer describes hearing the whistle of engine number forty nine, noting that it has a distinct sound that signifies its arrival. The train, known as the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, is a familiar presence in the area, and the people living there are accustomed to receiving greetings and acknowledgement from its passengers.


As the train approaches, the smoke rises around the bend, indicating that it is on its way to meet a friend. This imagery suggests the camaraderie and connection that people feel towards the train, as if it is a familiar and trusted companion. The song also mentions a list of passengers that the train will transport to Brown's Hotel. These individuals have been traveling for a while, perhaps from Philadelphia, and are eager to reach their destination.


Overall, the lyrics capture the sense of anticipation, community, and adventure that surrounded the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe train. The song celebrates the excitement and hustle-bustle that accompanies the train's journey and highlights the significance of this mode of transportation in the lives of the people in the area.


Line by Line Meaning

Do ya hear that whistle down the line?
Are you able to hear the unmistakable sound of the train whistle in the distance?


I figure that it's engine number forty nine
I believe that the train approaching is specifically identified as engine number forty-nine


She's the only one that'll sound that way
This particular train is the only one that emits that unique sound


On the Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
The train belongs to the railway known as the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe


See the old smoke risin' 'round the bend
Observe the sight of smoke rising from the bend in the train tracks


I reckon that she knows she's gonna meet a friend
I presume that the train is aware it will soon rendezvous with another train


Folks around these parts get the time of day
People in this area receive friendly acknowledgement and attention


From The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
This recognition is attributed to the railway company, Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe


Here she comes
The train is approaching


Whoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm


Hey, Jim you'd better get the rig
Hey, Jim, you should prepare the carriage or vehicle


She's got a list o' passengers that's pretty big
There is a substantial number of passengers aboard the train


And they'll all want lifts to Brown's Hotel
All of them will require transportation to Brown's Hotel


'Cause lots o' them been travelin' for quite a spell
Indeed, many of them have been traveling for quite a long time


All the way from Philadelphiay
Originating from Philadelphia


On The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
Their journey has been on the railway line of Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe


All aboard, all aboard
Everyone should get on the train, it's about to depart




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found