Arlo Guthrie

The song of the day is 1971's City of New Orleans composed by Steve Goodman and sung here by folk singer Arlo Guthrie. It describes a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans. The song has been sung by many singers including Arlo Guthrie and Willie Nelson, who both had hits with the song. Other artists who recorded it include John Denver, Judy Collins, and The Highwaymen.

In the lyrics you hear the verse "Freight yards full of old black men." I've wondered about that line and it's meaning. I think Goodman was referring to coalers, switchmen, and other yard workers. But maybe he meant something else. Leave a comment if you know. (If the video doesn't start, click here to watch on YoutTube.)