Freight Train
Elizabeth Cotton Lyrics
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Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on
They won't know what route I'm going
When I'm dead and in my grave
No more good times here I crave
Place the stones at my head and feet
When I die, oh bury me deep
Down at the end of old Chestnut Street
So I can hear old Number Nine
As she comes rolling by
When I die, oh bury me deep
Down at the end of old Chestnut Street
Place the stones at my head and feet
And tell them all I've gone to sleep
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
Please don't tell what train I'm on
They won't know what route I'm going
Elizabeth Cotton's classic folk song, "Freight Train," is a melancholic and reflective piece about life on the rails. The repetition of the titular phrase "Freight train, freight train, run so fast" expresses the urgency and speed of life's journey, while the plea "Please don't tell what train I'm on, they won't know what route I'm going" speaks to the uncertain and ever-changing nature of life's path. The verses, largely concerned with burial preparations, suggest a sense of finality, emphasizing the importance of finding peace in the inevitability of life's end.
In the first verse, Cotton sings of the train's speed and anonymity, showing how easily one can become lost within its hustle and bustle. The second verse reflects on death and the desire to be remembered, offering a humble request for a simple gravestone and the assurance that the singer has "gone to sleep." The third verse speaks to the appreciation of music and the desire to be close to the tracks so the singer can hear "old Number Nine" as it passes by. The final verse repeats the request for a simple resting place and reiterates the plea not to reveal the singer's final journey.
Ultimately, "Freight Train" is a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of life, urging listeners to appreciate the journey while they can and find solace in the inevitability of death.
Line by Line Meaning
Freight train, freight train, run so fast
The singer portrays the speedy nature of a freight train through repetition to highlight its significance to them.
Please don't tell what train I'm on
The singer is asking the listener to keep the train they're on a secret because the importance of their journey lies in its anonymity.
They won't know what route I'm going
The singer explains that keeping their route unknown signifies the flexibility and freedom of the journey they're taking.
When I'm dead and in my grave
The artist is acknowledging the inevitability of death and what they want to happen after they pass away.
No more good times here I crave
The artist has accepted that they will no longer live, and they have no desire to experience anymore good times because they have achieved contentment.
Place the stones at my head and feet
The singer is giving specific instructions for their burial, which depicts the attention to detail they have for the little things in life.
And tell them all I've gone to sleep
The singer is using the metaphor of sleep to describe death as a peaceful rest after a long journey of life.
When I die, oh bury me deep
The artist is emphasizing the importance of being buried deeply, underlining the idea of a final resting place where memories linger.
Down at the end of old Chestnut Street
The artist is referencing a specific street, adding a personal touch to their request for where they wish to 'rest' indicating some sentimental attachment to it.
So I can hear old Number Nine
The artist wants to be close to the sound of a train, which is something they find comforting or fulfilling. It could also reference childhood memories they associate with train sounds.
As she comes rolling by
The singer further emphasizes the importance of hearing the train, showcasing their fondness for it, and potentially enhancing the peaceful afterlife they envision.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED MCDOWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trueaussie9230
@@misspearltaylor
Oh goodness Miss Pearl Taylor.
Is 'negativity' the new 'buzz word' for the puerile?!
While you've lacked the strength of character to directly address me, it's abundantly clear - from your presumptious racist slur - that I am the target of your puerile attack.
FYI - 'true Aussies' ARE "black folks". Clearly your bigotry leads you to ASSUME I'm NOT "black folks". Isn't it funny how assumptions ("wondering") can make one look sooooo foolish?! 😉😊🤣
To quote Lou Reed - believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.
If you want a reliable, unbiased insight into how Aussies feel about "black folks", read and / or watch interviews with American negro servicemen who were stationed here during WWII. There are several on YT.
Now, Miss Pearl Taylor.
Your comment is nothing more than a pretentious ill-informed and personally insulting diatribe from one who's clearly too puerile, too delicate and too 'entitled' to comprehend and accept that stating FACTS does not equate to 'negativity'.
Just because the FACTS don't please YOU doesn't make them 'negative'.
But, clearly you subscribe to the 'every child wins a prize' school of thought that promotes doling out excessive praise where little is due.
I'm not given to assuming, but the available evidence strongly suggests that your pampered childhood, obvious bigotry and paucity of education and basic knowledge is likely at the centre of your personal difficulties.
Gee "just THING about" that. 🤔🤣🤣🤣
Muppet.
BTW - for reasons that are understood by most people, MANY things are 'designed' favouring right-handed people. A guitar is not one of them. A guitar can be played ANY way one chooses. It's convention (and lack of imagination) that moves most people - especially 'educated white folks' - to play them the same way.
In my 70+ years I've known MANY people - mostly self-taught true Aussie "black folks" - who've shunned convention and developed their own - truly unique - 'style'.
I've said NOTHING negative OR positive about the musical ability of Elizabeth Cotton.
She was popular in her time and accomplished in that 'primitive' style of music. (BTW - she is credited with writing 'Freight Train'.)
However, just because YOU are overly impressed by her talent that doesn't mean she's a virtuoso.
Perhaps, before making any judgement, you should experience some REAL guitar virtuosos. 🤣🤣
Tip - since you're so impressed by the 'unconventional', watch some videos of Django Reinhardt - and notice how many working fingers he had.
@VintageMusicHub
The beautiful "Noah" by The Jubalaires has been remastered in 4k, please let us know what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxeWojzg9S4
@sidneybarrett8941
I played that on KNCE-FM here in Taos, New Mexico, early in 2020.
@restlessascension3260
Is there a story behind why she's playing the guitar upside down. With the high e on top string?
@hectorgrande8000
@@restlessascension3260 she had to use somebody elses guitar when she was learning because she was poor as a child. the only guitar was a right handed guitar so she just learned to olay it left handed and upside down.
@terryatpi
Elizabeth >>>>>>Jerry.
@Medic6581
You're not wrong. She's beautiful
@edeledeledel5490
She plays a right-handed guitar left-handed, so basically its upside down compared with the way most people play. She was entirely self taught. Marvellous.
@user-xq5ih5oz2u
Right!! Jimi, Eric Gales, Doyle Bramhall, Jr. all are lefties who play upside down. But, this woman is the mother of all lefties, indeed! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@killerinstinct2000
Same as Jimi Hendrix.
@YoYo-gt5iq
Thanks for pointing this out.