John Hiatt is a famous singer-songwriter recognized for his distinctive voice and compelling storytelling through music.
With a career spanning over five decades, Hiatt has established a reputation for his distinctive fusion of blues, rock, and country.
Major artists have covered his songs, and he’s released numerous albums that showcase his raw talent. Hiatt’s impact continues to inspire both established and emerging musicians.
About the Song
Train to Birmingham by John Hiatt is a soulful track that blends country, blues, and rock elements.
The song tells a heartfelt story about an experience and personal reflection, highlighting Hiatt’s signature style with honest lyrics and a deep emotional pull.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns (2011) |
Train To Birmingham Lyrics by John Hiatt
I’ve been riding on this train
Drinking whiskey for the pain
Just another good old boy going home
And every town I see
Seems to take a part of me
That’s a price that you pay when you roam
And I lie when I have to
And I cry when I can
But I die a little slower
On the train to Birmingham
I got holes in both my shoes
And a guitar full of blues
A one-way ticket for a remedy
It’s the same old lonesome song
I’ve been singing all night long
Hey porter, are we out of Tennessee?
And I cry when I have to
And I lie when I can
But I die a little slower
On the train to Birmingham
Every year I ride this train
To Alabama in the rain
When I get that lonesome feeling in my bones
But I never get to Birmingham
But getting there is not the plan
No, I just like the feel of going home
And I lie when I have to
And I cry when I can
But I die a little slower
On the train to Birmingham
Well, I die a little slower
On the train to Birmingham
Similar Songs Like Train to Birmingham
Here are some soulful tracks that share John Hiatt’s storytelling style, blending country, blues, and rock with deep emotion.
- Have a Little Faith in Me: This song is a powerful ballad about hope and trust, with emotional, heartfelt lyrics that connect deeply.
- Perfectly Good Guitar: This is a rock song with a catchy rhythm. This track celebrates the love for music and the connection to a guitar.
- Crossing Muddy Waters: A touching song that blends country and blues, telling a story of overcoming struggle and facing life’s challenges.
- Thing Called Love: An upbeat, joyful track expressing the complexities of love and relationships, wrapped in Hiatt’s signature mix of blues and rock.
Similar Artists Like John Hiatt
If you like John Hiatt’s rich songwriting and Americana sound, check out these talented artists who bring their unique styles to the genre.
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Lyle Lovett
Genre: Country, Folk, Americana, Blues
Top Albums: Pontiac (1987), Lyle Lovett and His Large Band (1989) -
Steve Earle
Genre: Americana, Country, Rock, Folk
Top Albums: Copperhead Road (1988), Guitar Town (1986) -
Guy Clark
Genre: Country, Americana, Folk
Top Albums: Old No. 1 (1975), Songs and Stories (2001), Dublin Blues (1995) -
Todd Snider
Genre: Americana, Country, Folk Rock
Top Albums: East Nashville Skyline (1998), The Excitement Plan (2009)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Hiatt Wait Decades to Record It?
He finally recorded it in 2011 after his wife, who loved the song, urged him to include it on Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns.
What’s the Significance of Birmingham in the Lyrics?
Birmingham represents a place of longing and escape, tied to Hiatt’s Nashville-era colleague who often took the train there.
What Makes the Chorus Memorable?
The repetition of “Train to Birmingham” creates a rhythmic anchor, mirroring the steady motion of a locomotive.
