About The Song

Alan Jackson, a true icon of country music, has crafted a discography rich with heartfelt ballads and toe-tapping anthems. Among his many gems, “Freight Train” stands out as a poignant tale of love, loss, and the relentless power of longing. Released in 2010 as the title track of Jackson’s sixteenth studio album, the song has become a beloved classic, resonating with listeners worldwide.

“Freight Train” opens with a gentle guitar strumming, setting the stage for Jackson’s warm, baritone voice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man wrestling with the pain of a lost love. He compares his heart to a “freight train,” a powerful, unstoppable force that carries him through the depths of his emotions. The imagery is both striking and relatable, capturing the raw intensity of heartbreak with a touch of country flair.

As the song progresses, the freight train metaphor takes center stage. The man envisions himself as the locomotive, barreling down the tracks, determined to reach his beloved. He dreams of crashing into her doorway, sweeping her off her feet and carrying her away. The train’s relentless momentum mirrors the man’s unwavering love, a force that refuses to be denied.

Despite the song’s emotional depth, “Freight Train” is not without its moments of hope. The chorus offers a glimmer of light, suggesting that the man’s love may not be entirely lost. He sings, “I’ll keep on rollin’ on, I’ll never give up on you,” a declaration of resilience that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.

The song’s ending leaves the listener with a sense of longing and uncertainty. The man’s journey continues, his “freight train” of love still carrying him forward. Whether he will ever find his way back to his beloved remains to be seen. But the power of his love, like the relentless force of the train, is undeniable.

Related:   Alan Jackson - The Christmas Song

“Freight Train” is a testament to Alan Jackson’s songwriting prowess. It is a song that captures the complexities of love and loss with honesty, emotion, and a touch of country grit. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, making it a true gem in the vast landscape of country music.

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Lyric

I just came down from ChippewaHad a station wagon and a 100 dollarsThinkin’ about the girl I had lost a year before
I hadn’t seen her for some timeThought I might go on byWhen your memory came floodin’ inAnd you closed that door
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotiveI’d come whistling down your trackCrashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heartYou need a shovel for the coalJust to get me started
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train
Well, every time I talk to youI hear your jealous linesI feel like I’ve been left abandonedOn some old railway side
And every time I hear your voiceMy water just gets coldMy stoker will not stokeAnd my boiler will not boil
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotiveI’d come whistling down your trackCrashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heartYou need a shovel for the coalJust to get me started
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train
Well, every time I fell behindI could not get aheadI wish someone would pull the leverAnd give me a little sand
And every time I slip behindEven further backI wish some switch man would come out of fogAnd change my track
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotiveI’d come whistling down your trackCrashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heartYou need a shovel for the coalJust to get me started
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight trainWoo!
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotiveI’d come whistling down your trackCrashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heartYou need a shovel for the coalJust to get me started
Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train