Trains have long been a beloved theme in jazz music, symbolizing freedom, movement, and the passage of time. Much like trains themselves, jazz thrives on rhythm, improvisation, and a sense of journey. The chugging of a locomotive, the whistle’s call, and the steady beat of wheels on tracks are sounds that resonate deeply within the jazz tradition. From blues-inspired pieces to upbeat swing numbers, songs about trains have left an indelible mark on the genre.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most iconic jazz songs that feature trains. These tracks not only capture the magic of train travel but also reflect the genre’s ability to channel themes of exploration, longing, and the momentum of life itself.
Source: About Trains Songs
One of the most famous songs about trains in the jazz world is “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington. Written by Billy Strayhorn in 1939, this jazz standard became the signature tune for Duke Ellington’s orchestra. The song was named after the A subway line in New York City, which connected Harlem to the rest of Manhattan, a route that was crucial for accessing the vibrant jazz scene of the time.
"You must take the ‘A’ Train,
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem..."
“Take the ‘A’ Train” is known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, reflecting the excitement of the urban journey to Harlem, a cultural hub for jazz musicians during the Harlem Renaissance. The song’s lively rhythm mimics the motion of a train, with its smooth, swinging melody evoking the rush of the city. For both musicians and fans, the song is a reminder of the vibrant atmosphere of 1940s New York City, and the train itself becomes a symbol of access to the creative, bustling heart of the jazz world.
Originally recorded by Jimmy Forrest in 1951, “Night Train” is a jazz instrumental that has since become one of the most enduring train songs in the genre. The song is built around a simple, repetitive riff that mirrors the steady, rhythmic sound of a train moving along the tracks.
"Do-do-doo, doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo..."
While the song’s melody is minimalist, its groove is infectious, making it a favorite for jazz musicians to improvise around. “Night Train” has been covered by a wide variety of artists, from Duke Ellington to James Brown, and its hypnotic, blues-infused structure makes it perfect for expressing the sense of a train’s slow, steady journey through the night.
The song captures the essence of long-distance travel, the feeling of watching the world pass by from a train window as the night deepens. Its slow, deliberate pace makes it ideal for late-night listening, and its simple yet powerful riff echoes the repetitive, calming sound of a train’s wheels on the rails.
Count Basie’s 1938 recording of “Sent for You Yesterday (And Here You Come Today)” is a swinging jazz-blues tune that features trains as part of its lyrical story. In the song, the narrator sends a letter asking for their lover to return, but by the time they receive the response, the train carrying their lover has already arrived, creating a charming mix of humor and anticipation.
"I sent for you yesterday, here you come today..."
With its upbeat tempo and lively rhythm, “Sent for You Yesterday” is a quintessential example of Count Basie’s big band style. The train imagery in the song conveys the urgency and excitement of a reunion, and the dynamic swing arrangement captures the forward momentum of the train, propelling the narrative forward.
Trains, in this context, symbolize both the speed of modern life and the emotional anticipation of reconnecting with a loved one. It’s a classic example of how jazz uses trains not just as symbols of physical travel but as metaphors for emotional journeys.
“The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore” was originally written and performed by Appalachian folk artist Jean Ritchie, but the song’s powerful theme of abandonment and loss has made it popular across genres, including jazz. The L&N (Louisville and Nashville Railroad) was once a lifeline for rural communities, but the song tells the story of a town that has been left behind as the train no longer passes through.
"When I was a curly-headed baby,
My daddy sat me down on his knee,
Said, 'Son, this train don’t run no longer,
This town ain’t what it used to be.'"
Several jazz and blues musicians have covered this song, adding soulful improvisations and rich, bluesy interpretations to the melancholy story. The slow, mournful melody reflects the sense of isolation and loss felt by those left behind in small towns as the world moved forward without them. In jazz, this song takes on new emotional layers, with improvisations on the melody mimicking the meandering, aimless feeling of a town cut off from its former connection to the outside world.
Released in 1957, John Coltrane’s “Blue Train” is one of the most iconic jazz albums of all time, and the title track has become synonymous with Coltrane’s signature sound. The song’s title and theme are often interpreted as representing a personal and musical journey, with the train serving as a metaphor for Coltrane’s exploration of new musical territories.
"Blue Train," as an instrumental piece, features Coltrane’s rich, soaring saxophone lines layered over a driving rhythm section, evoking the powerful, unstoppable motion of a train."
The song’s blend of blues and hard bop elements reflects the idea of moving forward, both musically and personally, as Coltrane was beginning to explore more complex, experimental sounds in his work. The train imagery in the title hints at the idea of a journey—both literal and metaphorical—toward self-discovery and artistic growth. “Blue Train” is more than just a song about trains; it’s a reflection of the emotional and intellectual movement that jazz represents as a genre.
“Choo Choo Ch’Boogie” is one of the most fun and upbeat train songs in jazz history. Recorded by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five in 1946, this song blends jazz, jump blues, and early rock ‘n’ roll, creating a lively and infectious tune that became a major hit.
"Take me right back to the track, Jack,
Choo choo, choo choo ch’boogie..."
The song’s rhythm reflects the motion of a train speeding down the tracks, while its lyrics celebrate the joy of travel and the excitement of the open road. With its lively horns and Jordan’s charismatic vocals, “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie” became a defining song of the jump blues era and has remained a favorite in the jazz repertoire.
The train in this song represents more than just transportation; it’s a symbol of freedom, excitement, and the possibility of new adventures. It’s a perfect example of how jazz can take the idea of a train and infuse it with energy, fun, and a sense of motion.
“The Midnight Special” is a traditional folk and blues song that has been covered by numerous jazz artists over the years. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a train called the Midnight Special, which is said to shine its light on prisoners, symbolizing hope and freedom for those locked away.
"Let the Midnight Special, shine a light on me,
Let the Midnight Special, shine a light on me..."
Jazz interpretations of “The Midnight Special” often feature soulful improvisations and complex arrangements that bring new emotional depth to the song’s hopeful message. The train in the song represents liberation, with the idea that the arrival of the Midnight Special could bring an end to hardship and the possibility of a better future.
In jazz, trains are more than just vehicles—they are symbols of movement, freedom, and life’s journey. From the bustling energy of New York City’s subway in Duke Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train” to the slow, meditative groove of John Coltrane’s “Blue Train,” songs about trains capture the essence of jazz as a genre that thrives on rhythm, exploration, and improvisation.
Whether trains are used as metaphors for personal growth, emotional journeys, or physical travel, these songs showcase the deep connection between jazz and the idea of movement. The train, with its steady motion and forward momentum, reflects the way jazz itself pushes boundaries, constantly moving forward while drawing inspiration from the past.
