Doc Watson was a famous American musician known for his mastery of folk, bluegrass, and country music. His music was rooted in traditional Appalachian sounds, and he played a key role in reviving folk music during the 1960s.
He won several prestigious awards, including seven Grammy Awards, and was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Watson’s contributions to folk and bluegrass music left a lasting impact on generations of musicians and fans alike.
About the Song
Blue Railroad Train is about feeling lonely and missing someone while traveling. The train’s journey reminds the singer of distance and longing. It expresses sadness but also the hope of moving forward.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1966 |
| Album | Life’s Work: A Retrospective (2001) |
| Writers | Alton Delmore |
Blue Railroad Train Lyrics by Doc Watson
Blue railroad train
I’m goin’ down the railroad track
It makes me feel so doggone blue
To listen to that old smokestack
Drivers a-rollin’ on
Leavin’ me here behind
Give me back them good old days
And let me ramble down the line
Blue railroad train
Leavin’ me here alone
You’re treatin’ me good, you’re treatin’ me bad
You’re makin’ me think of home
I hear that lonesome train
And love to hear the whistle blow
She’s takin’ the sun and leavin’ the rain
And makin’ me wanna go
I’ve got the blues
Longin’ for her company
It’s many miles from where I am
To the only one for me
It’s so lonesome here
Waitin’ for the manifest
I hope that engineer is kind
Enough to let me be his guest
Blue railroad train
A good old pal to me
Takes me everywhere I wanna go
Get my transportation free
Similar Songs Like Blue Railroad Train
Here are some other songs by Watson that highlight his impressive range and influence in folk and bluegrass music.
- Deep River Blues: A lively bluegrass tune, Deep River Blues showcases Watson’s quick guitar skills, with upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics about love and loss.
- Tennessee Stud: This song offers a fun, foot-stomping pace as Watson tells the story of a wild horse named Tennessee Stud, a country favorite.
- Shady Grove: It is a traditional folk tune where the artist’s clean fingerpicking guitar takes center stage, telling a timeless story of love and longing.
- Black Mountain Rag: An energetic instrumental showcasing Watson’s virtuosic guitar talent. The song features fast-paced bluegrass rhythms and intricate fingerstyle playing.
Similar Artists Like Doc Watson
If you enjoy Watson’s bluegrass and folk sound, you may like these artists who also share traditional American music, from folk to bluegrass and beyond.
- John Prine
Genres: Folk, Americana
Top Albums: John Prine (1971), The Missing Years (1991), Fair & Square (2005) - Bill Monroe
Genres: Bluegrass, Country
Top Albums: Blue Moon of Kentucky (1946), The Essential Bill Monroe (2000), Live Recordings (2003) - Ralph Stanley
Genres: Bluegrass, Folk
Top Albums: Man of Constant Sorrow (1971), A Voice From on High (2006), Live at the Opry (1992) - Guy Clark
Genres: Americana, Folk
Top Albums: Old No. 1 (1975), Texas Cookin’ (1976), My Favorite Picture of You (2013) - Norman Blake
Genres: Bluegrass, Folk
Top Albums: Norman Blake (1972), Whiskey Before Breakfast (1982), Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1999)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Doc Watson’s Version of Blue Railroad Train Unique?
Doc’s version features fingerstyle guitar and a bluegrass-inspired sound, faster than the Delmore Brothers’ original.
Have Other Artists Covered Blue Railroad Train?
Yes, many folk and bluegrass musicians have covered the song, inspired by both the Delmore Brothers and Doc Watson.
Is there a Special Event or Festival Honoring Doc Watson’s Legacy?
Yes, MerleFest is held annually in North Carolina in memory of Doc and his son Merle, celebrating roots and Americana music.
