Alan Jackson – Freight Train

Introduction:

Alan Jackson’s 2010 single, “Freight Train”, is a poignant country ballad that uses a powerful metaphor to explore the depths of heartbreak. Released on his sixteenth studio album of the same name, the song showcases Jackson’s signature baritone vocals alongside a melancholic yet catchy melody.

Written by Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith, “Freight Train” departs from the typical themes of love and loss often found in country music. Instead, the song delves into the raw pain of a shattered relationship, comparing the singer’s emotional state to an unstoppable freight train. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man yearning for emotional detachment, wishing he could be a machine devoid of feeling, much like a powerful locomotive.

The production of “Freight Train” by veteran country music producer Keith Stegall complements the song’s lyrical themes. A simple arrangement featuring a prominent acoustic guitar and a steady drumbeat creates a sense of emotional rawness and vulnerability. Jackson’s vocals take center stage, delivering the lyrics with a heartfelt conviction that resonates with listeners who have experienced the sting of heartbreak.

“Freight Train” was not a chart-topping hit for Alan Jackson, but it has garnered a dedicated following among fans who appreciate its honest portrayal of emotional turmoil. The song’s relatable themes and Jackson’s powerful performance have ensured its place within his extensive discography. “Freight Train” stands out as a unique and emotionally resonant track that showcases the depth and artistry of Alan Jackson’s songwriting.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Freight Train”

I just came down from Chippewa
Had as station wagon and a hundred dollars
Thinking about the girl I’d lost a year before
I hadn’t seen her for some time
Thought I might go on by when your memory came flooding in and you closed that doorWish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a diesel locomotive
I’d come whistling down your track crashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I didn’t have a heart
You need a shovel for the coal just to get me started
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight trainWell every time I talk to you I hear your jealous lines
I feel like I’ve been left abandoned on some old railway side
And every time I hear your voice my water just gets cold
My stoker will not stoke and my boiler will not boil

Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a diesel locomotive
I’d come whistling down your track crashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I didn’t have a heart
You need a shovel for the coal just to get me started
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train

Well every time I fell behind I could not get ahead
I wish someone would pull the lever and give me a little sand
And every time I slip behind even further back
I wish some switch man would come out of the fog and change my track

Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a diesel locomotive
I’d come whistling down your track crashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I didn’t have a heart
You need a shovel for the coal just to get me started
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train

Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a diesel locomotive
I’d come whistling down your track crashing in your door
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I didn’t have a heart
You need a shovel for the coal just to get me started
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train baby
Wish I was a freight train