Introduction to “Long Black Train” by Conway Twitty
Conway Twitty, a name synonymous with country music, etched his mark on the genre with countless hits. Among his most enduring classics is “Long Black Train”, a song that delves into themes of mortality, regret, and the inevitability of life’s final journey.
Background
Released in 1975, “Long Black Train” quickly climbed the country music charts, reaching the top spot and solidifying Twitty’s status as a country music superstar.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and Twitty’s heartfelt delivery.
“Long Black Train” paints a vivid picture of a man contemplating his own mortality. The train, a recurring symbol in country music, serves as a metaphor for death, approaching inexorably.
The narrator expresses a sense of trepidation and uncertainty as he faces the unknown.
Twitty’s vocals convey a mix of resignation and longing. His voice, rich and emotive, captures the narrator’s internal struggle. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a driving rhythm and understated instrumentation that allows Twitty’s vocals to take center stage.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Look a-yonder coming, coming down that railroad trackI said, Look a-yonder comingComing down that long railroad trackWell, it’s that long black trainGonna bring my baby backWell, she loved me in the winterLord, I almost froze to deathBut she didn’t even warm meShe’s a fact of frozen lipsMy baby, hit the road a-runningLooking for that long black train(That long black train)Lord, and I began to wonderWill I see that girl again?(If I see my girl again)Well, I don’t know why she left meBut I do know that she’s goneBut look a-yonder coming LordMy baby’s coming homeI said, now look a-yonder comingComing down that long railroad track(That long railroad track)Well, it’s that long black trainGonna bring my baby back(Gonna bring my baby back)