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Introduction
When you think of the open rails, the rhythmic clatter of train wheels, and the endless horizon stretching out before you, “Freight Train Blues” by Boxcar Willie captures that feeling perfectly. This song is a heartfelt tribute to the life of a wanderer, someone who finds solace and freedom in the journey itself, rather than the destination.
Boxcar Willie, with his gravelly voice and authentic style, brings a sense of authenticity and raw emotion to this classic. Listening to “Freight Train Blues” is like stepping back in time, to an era when the railways were the lifeblood of the country, carrying not just goods, but dreams and stories from coast to coast.
The beauty of “Freight Train Blues” lies in its simplicity and honesty. It’s a song that doesn’t need elaborate instrumentation or complex lyrics to make an impact. Instead, it’s the straightforward, almost conversational way Willie sings about his life on the rails that draws you in. You can almost feel the wind in your hair and the rumble of the train beneath your feet as he sings.
This song speaks to the restless spirit in all of us—the part that yearns for adventure, for new experiences, and for the kind of freedom that only comes from leaving everything behind and just going. It’s a celebration of the nomadic lifestyle, but also a lament for the sacrifices and the loneliness that often come with it.
Boxcar Willie’s rendition of “Freight Train Blues” is more than just a song; it’s a piece of American folklore, a reminder of a simpler time when the journey was as important as the destination. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Boxcar Willie or just discovering his music, this track is sure to stir something deep within you, making you long for the open road and the endless possibilities it promises.
Video
Lyrics
I lost all my money
In a crooked poker game
Now I’m going home
On this old freight train
I got the boxcar blues
Shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
I got the boxcar blues
And Lord, I may never get back
Well, I am so lonely
I think I could die
These ain’t cinders
Tears in my eyes
I got the boxcar blues
Shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
I got the boxcar blues
And Lord, I may never get back
I dream of my big
Baked biscuits in the pan
I dream of my woman
With another man
I got the boxcar blues
Shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
I got the boxcar blues
And Lord, I may never get back
When I get back home
I’ll get down on my knees
I’ll beg to my woman
“Have a little mercy please”
I got the boxcar blues
Shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
I got the boxcar blues
Lord, I may never get back
Now let me tell you, brother
It just ain’t so
There ain’t no easy life
For a bored hobo
I got the boxcar blues
Shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
I got the boxcar blues
And Lord, I may never get back
No listen to me, brother
And take my advice
Stay away from trains
And them loaded dice
You’ll get the boxcar blues
You’ll shuffle on down the tracks
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)
You’ll get the boxcar blues
And Lord, you may never get back
You’ll get the boxcar blues
And Lord, you may never get back
(Shuffle, shuffle on down the track)