Same Old Train
Marty Stuart Lyrics

Well I got on in Bristol, by the old Virgina line
I started my journey from Bristol, through the Virginia countryside.

With a suitcase full of dreams,
I brought along my aspirations.

And a brand new spendin' dime
As a new traveler, I had plenty of resources.

I had a full bouquet of music, wrapped in pretty words
I carried a rich collection of lyrics and tunes.

Singin' songs sent down from heaven,
My music was divinely inspired.

On the wings of a speckled bird
My music was conveyed metaphorically, like the plumage of a colorful bird.

I heard a guitar and a fiddle, banjo and mandolin
I was welcomed by a variety of string instruments.

An old man opened up the door and told me "come on in"
I got a warm invitation to join the musical community.

He took my ticket, then he told me,
The older man checked my credentials and gave me a piece of advice.

Bring what it is you do
Demonstrate your unique talents.

'Cause that's how you'll be remembered
Your legacy will depend on your distinct contributions.

When you're travelin' days are through
After your journeys are over.

They came from the hills and mountains,
The musician travelers were from diverse backgrounds.

The valleys and the plains
From every type of terrain.

Some were kind and gentle,
Some musicians had tender hearts.

And some too wild to tame
Others had a wild and free spirit.

A string of fearless hearts, on an endless ball of twine
All the musicians were bound together by their passion and shared musical journey.

It's the same old train, it's just a different time
The traditions continue, but new generations continue the same journey.

We sung songs in war, we sung songs in peace
The musicians played on, regardless of circumstance.

We traveled in abundance and we traveled on relief
They journeyed in all financial conditions.

From the outer gates of heaven, to hell fire's burnin' door
They performed in all kinds of venues, from the highest praise to the darkest places.

It don't matter where you take it,
The music fits in everywhere.

'Cause it's been there before
It's a timeless tradition.

They came from the neon cities,
Some musicians came from fast-paced urban environments.

The suburbs and the towns
Others hailed from middle-class suburban and rural areas.

From Bakersfield to Baltimore,
Everyone was represented.

It's sacred holy ground
The musical community is a special place.

Now like a precious treasure, that's immeasurable in worth
The musicians are like a priceless gem.

We stand before a new wave, proud children of the earth
The current generation of musicians is proud to carry on the tradition.

We'll go on forever, and here's your solid proof
The tradition will live on.

As long as there's a world we've gotta sing
As long as the world keeps turning, the music will continue.

Those folks the truth
The musicians have a message to share.

Just a different time
They continue the same musical journey but in a different era.