Chattanooga Choo Choo
Joe Loss & His Band Lyrics
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Track twenty nine, boy you can gimme a shine
I can afford to board a Chattanooga Choo Choo
I've got my fare and just a trifle to spare
You leave the Pennsylvania station 'bout a quarter to four
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer
When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
Shovel all the coal in, gotta keep it rollin'
Woo, woo, Chattanooga, there you are
There's gonna be a certain party at the station
Satin and lace, I used to call funny face
She's gonna cry until I tell her that I'll never roam
The lyrics to "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Joe Loss & His Orchestra tell the story of a person boarding a train called the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The singer addresses someone, asking if that is the train they are about to board. They mention track twenty-nine and ask for a shoe shine, indicating their excitement and preparedness to embark on the journey. The singer mentions that they have both the fare needed to board the train and some extra money.
The lyrics then describe the journey from Pennsylvania station to Baltimore, highlighting the leisurely activities one can enjoy on the train, such as reading a magazine. The mention of having dinner in the diner and enjoying ham and eggs in Carolina suggests the pleasurable food experiences one can have while traveling.
The song emphasizes the excitement of the journey, particularly when the whistle blows in a fast-paced, energetic rhythm. The reference to Tennessee and the constant effort to keep the train rolling underscore the determination to reach the destination of Chattanooga. The lyrics evoke a sense of anticipation and adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
Excuse me, sir, is that the train to Chattanooga?
Track twenty nine, boy you can gimme a shine
Platform number twenty-nine, my good sir, could you please give me a quick shoe shine?
I can afford to board a Chattanooga Choo Choo
I have enough money to buy a ticket and get on the train to Chattanooga
I've got my fare and just a trifle to spare
I have enough money for my train ticket and a small amount left over
You leave the Pennsylvania station 'bout a quarter to four
You depart from Pennsylvania station around fifteen minutes before four o'clock
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Read a magazine during the journey, and before you know it, you'll be in Baltimore
Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer
Having dinner in the dining car is incredibly enjoyable
Than to have your ham 'n' eggs in Carolina
Especially when you have a delicious meal of ham and eggs in Carolina
When you hear the whistle blowin' eight to the bar
As soon as you hear the whistle blowing with a lively rhythm
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
You can be certain that Tennessee is a short distance away
Shovel all the coal in, gotta keep it rollin'
Put in all the coal and work hard to keep the train moving forward
Woo, woo, Chattanooga, there you are
Cheer in excitement, as you have arrived in Chattanooga
There's gonna be a certain party at the station
There will be a particular celebration happening at the train station
Satin and lace, I used to call funny face
A person, whom I used to affectionately refer to as 'funny face,' will be elegantly dressed in satin and lace
She's gonna cry until I tell her that I'll never roam
She will cry until I reassure her that I will never wander away
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mack Gordon, Harry Warren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind