The Tony Rice Unit was a talented acoustic band led by renowned guitarist Tony Rice, known for blending bluegrass, jazz, and folk into a smooth, rich sound.
Each member of the Unit brought strong skills and fresh ideas, helping the band move beyond traditional bluegrass. Their songs often featured lengthy instrumental sections, allowing for creativity and emotional expression.
The Tony Rice Unit became a respected name in acoustic music, inspiring musicians with their smart playing, original style, and passion for sound that speaks without needing words.
About the Song
Blue Railroad Train is a calm and emotional song about loneliness and constant travel. The lyrics tell the story of someone riding trains, feeling sad and far from home. The blue in the title conveys the person’s mood—tired, quiet, and missing something or someone important.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1979 |
| Album Name | Manzanita |
| Writer | Alton Delmore, Rabon Delmore |
| Producer | Tony Rice |
Complete Lyrics of Blue Railroad Train
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 treatn’ me good, you treat’n 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
For those who enjoyed the gentle rhythm and heartfelt tone of Blue Railroad Train, the Tony Rice Unit offers more songs with rich melodies, strong guitar work, and emotional depth
- Nine Pound Hammer: Swings with driving guitar runs, bass pulse, and clear vocals, telling coal miner hardship stories.
- Jerusalem Ridge: Delivers haunting fiddle lines, intricate flatpicking, shifting tempos, carrying listeners across mountains into deep, thoughtful stillness.
- Shenandoah: A gentle instrumental piece where graceful guitar melodies drift like a river, conveying longing, wide landscapes, and the warmth of dusk.
Similar Artists Like The Tony Rice Unit
Check out these musicians if you enjoy the mix of bluegrass and acoustic music like The Tony Rice Unit.
- David Grisman
Genre: Acoustic Jazz, Bluegrass, Dawg Music
Top Albums: The David Grisman Quintet (1977), Hot Dawg (1978), Acousticity (1983) - Norman Blake
Genre: Folk, Bluegrass, Americana
Top Albums: Home in Sulphur Springs (1972), Old and New (1975), Whiskey Before Breakfast (1976) - Béla Fleck
Genre: Progressive Bluegrass, Jazz Fusion
Top Albums: Drive (1988), Tales from the Acoustic Planet (1995), Throw Down Your Heart (2009) - Doc Watson
Genre: Folk, Bluegrass, Country Blues
Top Albums: Doc Watson (1964), Southbound (1966), Doc and Merle Watson’s Guitar Album (1983) - Sam Bush
Genre: Newgrass, Americana, Bluegrass
Top Albums: Late as Usual (1984), Glamour & Grits (1996), King of My World (2004)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Blue Railroad Train Still Loved Today?
Blue Railroad Train remains popular because of its relatable message, smooth melody, and timeless acoustic sound
Can Blue Railroad Train be Used to Learn Fingerstyle Guitar?
Yes, Blue Railroad Train is great for practicing flatpicking and fingerstyle guitar techniques.
Was Blue Railroad Train Ever Played on the Radio?
Yes, Blue Railroad Train has been played on folk and bluegrass radio stations and continues to be a favorite.
