Coming to prominence in the 1920s as an inventive trumpet and cornet player, Armstrong was a foundational influence in jazz, shifting the focus of the music from collective improvisation to solo performance. With his instantly-recognizable gravelly voice, Armstrong was also an influential singer, demonstrating great dexterity as an improviser, bending the lyrics and melody of a song for expressive purposes. He was also skilled at scat singing (vocalizing using sounds and syllables instead of actual lyrics).
Renowned for his charismatic stage presence and voice almost as much as for his trumpet-playing, Armstrong's influence extends well beyond jazz music, and by the end of his career in the 1960s, he was widely regarded as a profound influence on popular music in general. Armstrong was one of the first truly popular African-American entertainers to "cross over", whose skin-color was secondary to his music in an America that was severely racially divided. He rarely publicly politicized his race, often to the dismay of fellow African-Americans, but took a well-publicized stand for desegregation during the Little Rock Crisis. His artistry and personality allowed him socially acceptable access to the upper echelons of American society that were highly restricted for a black man.
Armstrong was born and brought up in New Orleans, a culturally diverse town with a unique musical mix of creole, ragtime, marching bands, and blues. Although from an early age he was able to play music professionally, he didn't travel far from New Orleans until 1922, when he went to Chicago to join his mentor, King Oliver. Oliver's band played primitive jazz, a hotter style of ragtime, with looser rhythms and more improvisation, and Armstrong's role was mostly backing. Slow to promote himself, he was eventually persuaded by his wife Lil Hardin to leave Oliver, and In 1924 he went to New York to join the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. At the time, there were a few other artists using the rhythmic innovations of the New Orleans style, but none did it with the energy and brilliance of Armstrong, and he quickly became a sensation among New York musicians. Back in Chicago in 1925, he made his first recordings with his own group, Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five, and these became not only popular hits but also models for the first generation of jazz musicians, trumpeters or otherwise.
Other hits followed through the twenties and thirties, as well as troubles: crooked managers, lip injuries, mob entanglements, failed big-band ventures. As jazz styles changed, though, musical purists never lost any respect for him -- although they were sometimes irritated by his hammy onstage persona. Around the late forties, with the help of a good manager, Armstrong's business affairs finally stablilized, and he began to be seen as an elder statesman of American popular entertainment, appearing in Hollywood films, touring Asia and Europe, and dislodging The Beatles from the number-one position with Hello Dolly". Today many people may know him as a singer (a good one), but as Miles Davis said: “You can’t play nothing on modern trumpet that doesn’t come from him."
The 62-year-old Armstrong became the oldest act to top the US charts when "Hello Dolly" reached #1 in 1964. Four years later Satchmo also became the oldest artist to record a UK #1, when "What a Wonderful World" hit the top spot.
This Train
Louis Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train don't carry no gamblers,
no whiskey drinkers, and no high flyers
This train carry no gamblers, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory,
This train bound for glory, this train
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train don't carry no liars,
no hypocrites and no high flyers
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train is built for speed, boy, this train
This train is built for speed, now, this train
This train is built for speed,
fastest train you ever did see
Now, this train is built for speed, boy, this train
This train is solid black, oh, this train
This train is solid black, oh, this train
This train is solid black,
when you go there you don't come back
Oh, this train is built for glory, this train
This train don't fit no transportation on this train
This train don't fit no transportation on this train
This train, you know, don't fit no transportation,
no Jim Crow and no discrimination on
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train don't care if you white or black on this train
This train don't care if you white or black on this train
This train don't care if you white or black,
everybody's treated just like a man
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory,
don't carry nothing but the righteous an' a holy
This train is bound for glory, this train
This train,
This train,
This train
Louis Armstrong's song "This Train" brings to light the idea of a metaphorical train journey. This train is a unique and special train that only carries the righteous and holy people. The song opens with the declaration that this train does not carry any gamblers or whiskey drinkers, and no high flyers. The idea is that those individuals aren't good enough or righteous enough to be on this train. The song repeats that same sentiment throughout, emphasizing the ideology that only the best and deserving individuals are allowed on this train.
Additionally, the song specifies that this train doesn't carry any liars, hypocrites, or Jim Crow, alluding to the discrimination against black people during that period. The train's idea is consistently represented to be of a higher class or status, with lyrics such as "This train is built for speed" and "This train is solid black, oh, this train." This reinforces the impression of this train as an elite or exclusive one, which carries only the best of the best.
Overall, "This Train" is a song that speaks of a spiritual journey towards salvation. The lyrics convey that the train is only meant for the select few who have lived a good and righteous life. It signifies that the journey towards salvation and eternal life is no easy task and only those who are deserving will make it to the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train does not allow any form of gambling while on board.
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train
This train strictly prohibits gambling activities among passengers.
This train don't carry no gamblers, no whiskey drinkers, and no high flyers
Passengers with vices such as gambling and excessive drinking are not welcome to ride this train.
This train carry no gamblers, this train
The policy of this train is to not accommodate any form of gambling, as it is not seen as a wholesome activity.
This train is bound for glory, this train
The ultimate goal of this train is to lead its passengers to a state of spiritual fulfillment and salvation.
This train is bound for glory, this train
The purpose of this train is to transport its riders to a place of spiritual enlightenment and eternal happiness.
This train is bound for glory, don't carry nothing, but the righteous and the holy
Only individuals who are seen as pure in the eyes of God are welcome to embark on this journey.
This train don't carry no liars, this train
This train bars anyone who is found to be dishonest or deceitful from riding it.
This train don't carry no liars, this train
Passengers who have a history of dishonesty or insincerity are not permitted to ride this train.
This train don't carry no liars, no hypocrites and no high flyers
Individuals who are known to be untruthful, hypocritical, or excessively boastful are not welcome on this train.
This train is built for speed, boy, this train
This train is exceptionally fast, designed to transport passengers swiftly and efficiently.
This train is built for speed, now, this train
Passengers can expect a speedy journey on this train, as it has been engineered to maximize speed and efficiency.
This train is built for speed, fastest train you ever did see
This train is one of the fastest modes of transportation available, designed to quickly and efficiently transport its passengers.
This train is solid black, oh, this train
The exterior of the train is completely black, giving it a striking and imposing appearance.
This train is solid black, oh, this train
The train's exterior has been painted entirely black, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.
This train is solid black, when you go there you don't come back
The destination of this train is a one-way trip; once you depart, there is no turning back.
This train don't fit no transportation, no Jim Crow and no discrimination on
This train does not discriminate based on race, allowing anyone to ride without fear of judgement or mistreatment.
This train don't care if you white or black, everybody's treated just like a man
This train is a place where individuals of all races are treated equally and with respect.
This train is bound for glory, this train
The aim of this train is to transport its riders to a state of spiritual fulfillment and eternal happiness.
This train,
The train being described in this song is unlike any other train that has ever existed; it is a unique and singular entity.
This train,
This train is a symbol of hope and redemption, representing a path towards a brighter future.
This train
This train serves as a symbol of spiritual salvation, offering passengers a chance to attain eternal peace and fulfillment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROSETTA THARPE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sfer Tonoc
It is an evangelical motivator from the ad hock churches of the South, here is the beginning to guide you.
Chorus: whoohoo! Whoohoooo!! Woo! Hoohoo! Hoohoo! Hoowoohoo!woohoohoohooo! This Train! All aboard!!
LA: this train dont carry no gamblers! This train.!
Cs: this train!
La: this train dont carry no gamblers! This train!
Cs: this train!
La: this train dont carry no gamblers, trap shooters and midnight rabblers!
Cs: Lord! Lord!!
La:Lord! Lord!! This train!
Cs:this train!
La: this train goes on to glory. This train!
Cs: this train!
La: this train goes on to glory! This train!
Ca: this train!
La: this train goes on to glory, no one can ride it but the pure and holy!
Cs: lord! Lord
La: lord! Lord! This train!
Azizi Powell
@Sfer Tonoc, thanks for your transcription. Here's my transcription of this Louis Armstrong version of "This Train", using Soloist for the Louis Armstrong part and Choir for the part you labeled Cs (chorus)
Choir: Whoohoo! Whoohoooo!! Woo! Hoohoo! Hoohoo! Hoowoohoo!woohoohoohooo!
This Train! All aboard!!
Lord, Lord
Soloist: This train dont carry no gamblers! This train.!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train dont carry no gamblers! This train!
Choir:- This train!
Soloist: This train don’t carry no gamblers, crap shooters and midnight ramblers!
Choir: Lord! Lord!!
Soloist: Lord! Lord!! This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train goes on to glory. This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train goes on to glory! This train!
Choir This train!
Soloist: This train goes on to glory, no one can ride it but the pure and holy!
Choir: Lord! Lord!
Soloist: Lord! Lord! This train!
Soloist- Now I put my foot on the golden ship.
Ship done left the shore.
Gone away to the angels
And it ain’t comin back no more.
Soloist: This train don’t carry no liars! This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train don’t carry no liars. This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist- This train don’t carry no liars, false pretenders, and backbitters
Choir: Lord! Lord!!
Soloist: Lord! Lord!! This train!
Choir: This train!
This train
This train, this train
This train,
This train, this train
Lord! This train
Soloist: Yeah, this train goes on to glory
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train goes on to glory! This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train goes on to glory, no one can ride it but the pure and holy!
Choir: Lord! Lord!
Soloist: lord! Lord! This train!
Soloist: Well, the Lord made Satan
And Satan made sin.
The Lord made a hole and put Satan in.
The Lord made heaven and earth in six days.
He rested from His labor and taught us how to pray.
Soloist: This train pull no gamblers! This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train dont pull no gamblers! This train!
Choir: This train!
Soloist: This train dont pull no gamblers, no four day creepers and midnight ramblers!
Choir: Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord!
This train!
Azizi Powell
Here are some definitions for the African American Vernacular English characterizations that are found in this song:
midnight rambler= someone who late at night sneaks off to places or to people that would be considered the opposite of holy.
four day creepers= similar definition to midnight rambler, only the person does this most of every week.
false pretender= someone who is only pretending to be a certain way (in this song, a false pretender is a person who is only pretending to be a Christian)
backbiter =a person who says mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present)
Globez123
Wonderful song. Thanks for uploading it!
Casa Colibri
My favorite lp of all time. Louis and the Good Book.
Андрей Подзолкин
This is a song of my childlife!!!
Casa Colibri
me too!
Rayna Gaines
I love it
Daniel Messias
Wow, this train is my train!!!!
Audrey Mensah-Ankrah
Lovely
kajjjaznam
My apologies for the poor quality. Unfortunately, I don't have a better recording. So if anyone has, please share :)
Armando Casitas
Anyone knows where I can find the exact lyrics for this song? It's no easy task, there are thousands of versions! I'd appreciate any help
Sfer Tonoc
It is an evangelical motivator from the ad hock churches of the South, here is the beginning to guide you.
Chorus: whoohoo! Whoohoooo!! Woo! Hoohoo! Hoohoo! Hoowoohoo!woohoohoohooo! This Train! All aboard!!
LA: this train dont carry no gamblers! This train.!
Cs: this train!
La: this train dont carry no gamblers! This train!
Cs: this train!
La: this train dont carry no gamblers, trap shooters and midnight rabblers!
Cs: Lord! Lord!!
La:Lord! Lord!! This train!
Cs:this train!
La: this train goes on to glory. This train!
Cs: this train!
La: this train goes on to glory! This train!
Ca: this train!
La: this train goes on to glory, no one can ride it but the pure and holy!
Cs: lord! Lord
La: lord! Lord! This train!