Introduction:
Alan Jackson’s song “Freight Train” serves as the title track of his 2010 album and showcases Jackson’s signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and traditional country instrumentation. Released as part of an album that explores themes of nostalgia, love, and resilience, “Freight Train” compares the singer’s emotional struggles to the relentless movement of a freight train, symbolizing his desire to move on but feeling weighed down by past love.
The Freight Train album was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall, who had worked with Jackson on many of his earlier albums. Known for his straightforward, storytelling approach, Jackson brings a sense of authenticity to the song, capturing universal feelings of longing and introspection. This album marked Jackson’s 13th studio project, further cementing his position as one of country music’s modern icons. With a mix of original tracks and a few covers, Jackson continued to pay homage to classic country roots while addressing personal themes drawn from his own life and experiences.
The album debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached the top spots on the country charts. Although the song “Freight Train” was not released as a single, it resonated with fans for its lyrical poignancy and Jackson’s soulful performance. The title track reflects Jackson’s signature style—honest and relatable—cementing his appeal to a broad audience and reminding listeners of his contributions to country music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Freight Train”
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 train
Well 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