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.
“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.
Video
Lyric
I just came down from ChippewaHad a station wagon and a 100 dollars Thinkin’ about the girl I had lost a year beforeI hadn’t seen her for some timeThought I might go on by When your memory came floodin’ in And you closed that doorWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotive I’d come whistling down your track Crashing in your doorWish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heart You need a shovel for the coal Just to get me startedWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, baby Wish I was a freight trainWell, every time I talk to youI hear your jealous lines I feel like I’ve been left abandoned On some old railway sideAnd every time I hear your voiceMy water just gets cold My stoker will not stoke And my boiler will not boilWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotive I’d come whistling down your track Crashing in your doorWish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heart You need a shovel for the coal Just to get me startedWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, baby Wish I was a freight trainWell, every time I fell behindI could not get ahead I wish someone would pull the lever And give me a little sandAnd every time I slip behindEven further back I wish some switch man would come out of fog And change my trackWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotive I’d come whistling down your track Crashing in your doorWish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heart You need a shovel for the coal Just to get me startedWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, baby Wish I was a freight train Woo!Wish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a diesel locomotive I’d come whistling down your track Crashing in your doorWish I was a freight train, babyWish I didnt have a heart You need a shovel for the coal Just to get me startedWish I was a freight train, babyWish I was a freight train, baby Wish I was a freight train