About the song
“Wabash Cannonball” by Johnny Cash is a stirring rendition of one of America’s most beloved folk songs. While the song itself has deep roots in the country’s musical history, Johnny Cash’s version, released in 1964, brought a renewed energy and popularity to this classic tune.
The song “Wabash Cannonball” dates back to the late 19th century, credited to A.P. Carter of the Carter Family, although it was popularized in the early 20th century by various artists. The tune celebrates the Wabash Cannonball, a legendary American train that symbolizes the expansive railroads that crisscrossed the nation, bringing people together and opening up new frontiers.
Johnny Cash included “Wabash Cannonball” on his album “Orange Blossom Special,” which was a tribute to the great American railroads. Cash, with his deep, resonant voice and unique storytelling ability, brought a sense of authenticity and reverence to the song. His version stands out for its heartfelt delivery and the way it captures the spirit of the American railroad era.
While “Wabash Cannonball” didn’t chart as a single from the album, the “Orange Blossom Special” album itself was well-received, reaching number three on the Billboard Country Album chart. The album showcased Cash’s ability to interpret and breathe new life into traditional folk and country songs, reinforcing his status as a significant figure in American music.
Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Wabash Cannonball” is not just a song but a journey through America’s rich railroad history, evoking nostalgia and a sense of adventure. It remains a favorite among fans of Cash and country music enthusiasts, cherished for its connection to America’s cultural heritage. Listening to this track is like taking a ride through time, experiencing the grandeur of the mighty railroads that helped shape the nation.
Video
Lyrics
From the great Atlantic ocean to the wide Pacific shore
She climbs a flowery mountains o’er the hills and by the shore
She’s mighty tall and handsome she’s known quite well by all
She’s a regular combination on the Wabash Cannonball
Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar
As she glides along the woodland o’er the hills and by the shore
Hear the mighty rush of the engine hear those lonesome hoboes call
Traveling through the jungle on the Wabash Cannonball
Well she came down from Birmingham one cold December day
As she pulled into the station you could hear all the people say
She’s from Tennessee she’s long and she’s tall
She came down from Birmingham on the Wabash Cannonball
Here’s to daddy Claxton may his name forever stand
And always be remembered in the courts throughout the land
His earthly race is over and the curtains round him fall
We’ll carry him home to Dixie on the Wabash Cannonball
Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar
As she glides along the woodland o’er the hills and by the shore
Hear the mighty rush of the engine hear those lonesome hoboes call
Traveling through the jungle on the Wabash Cannonball