Night Train
Otto Cesana and His Orchestra Lyrics

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Take that night train to Memphis
Take that night train to Memphis
When you arrive at the station
I'll be right there to meet you
I'll be right there to greet you
So don't turn down my invitation
Hallelujah, hallelujah
I'll be shouting hallelujah all the day

Oh we'll have a jubilee down in Memphis Tennessee
And I'll shout hallelujah all the day
Take that night train to Memphis take that night train to Memphis
When you arrive at the station
I'll be right there to meet you
I'll be right there to greet you
So don't turn down my invitation
Hallelujah, hallelujah
I'll be shouting hallelujah all the day

Oh we'll have a jubilee down in Memphis Tennessee
And I'll shout hallelujah all the day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Otto Cesana and His Orchestra's "Night Train to Memphis" depict a joyful and upbeat invitation to someone to take the night train to Memphis, Tennessee. The singer eagerly awaits the arrival of the person, promising to be there to meet and greet them. The phrase "hallelujah" is repeated several times throughout the song, indicating a sense of excitement and celebration. The singer declares that they will have a "jubilee" once the person arrives, suggesting a grand, festive event. Overall, the lyrics urge the person to come to Memphis for a good time and to not turn down the invitation.

Interestingly, "Night Train to Memphis" was written by Owen Bradley, Marvin Hughes, and Harry Beasley Smith and first recorded in 1946 by Roy Acuff. However, it was the version by Rusty Draper in 1953 that became a hit, reaching number two on the Billboard charts. Otto Cesana and His Orchestra recorded their rendition of the song in 1956.

Line by Line Meaning

Take that night train to Memphis
Board the train that runs overnight to Memphis

When you arrive at the station
Upon your arrival at the train station

I'll be right there to meet you
I will eagerly await your arrival

I'll be right there to greet you
I will give you a warm welcome

So don't turn down my invitation
Please do not decline my offer

Hallelujah, hallelujah
An expression of joy or praise

I'll be shouting hallelujah all the day
I will continue to express my joy and excitement throughout the day

Oh we'll have a jubilee down in Memphis Tennessee
We will have a grand celebration in Memphis, Tennessee

And I'll shout hallelujah all the day
I will enthusiastically express gratitude and joy throughout the day

Take that night train to Memphis take that night train to Memphis
Board the train that runs overnight to Memphis