Trains have been around for a long time, carrying people and goods across cities and countries.
They are powerful, loud, and can take you far. But trains aren’t just machines; they’ve also inspired many songs. Musicians love to sing about trains because they can mean different things.
A train can feel like freedom, adventure, or even sadness when someone has to leave. Some songs about trains are happy and make you want to dance, while others are slow and make you think.
This list has 30 songs about trains, each with its own story. Some talk about leaving home, others about finding new places, and a few are just fun to sing along to. Whether you like rock, folk, or blues, there’s a train song for everyone. So, let’s jump aboard and discover some great songs that capture the spirit of trains!
1. Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash sings about life in prison, where he listens to trains passing by, reminding him of freedom. The song describes the loneliness he feels and his wish to be free.
The train in this song is a symbol of escape and freedom, something the singer can’t reach. It’s a powerful song that many people can relate to.
2. Midnight Train to Georgia – Gladys Knight & The Pips
This song tells the story of someone leaving the big city to go back to a simpler life. The train ride is a way to find peace and start fresh.
It’s about love and support, as the singer decides to join her partner on this journey. The song is both sad and hopeful, showing that sometimes we need to go back to our roots.
3. Long Train Runnin’ – The Doobie Brothers
This is a fun, upbeat song about a train that just keeps moving. The singer wonders what would happen if the train stopped.
The song has a funky beat and makes you feel like dancing. It’s a classic that fans of rock and roll really enjoy.
4. Peace Train – Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens sings about a train of peace that everyone can ride. It’s a song about hope and unity.
The singer believes that people can come together and create a better world. The message is simple but meaningful.
5. Last Train to Clarksville – The Monkees
This song tells the story of a soldier who’s leaving on a train and might not come back. It’s a sad but catchy song.
The Monkees use the train as a symbol of leaving and maybe never returning. It’s a song that touches your heart.
6. Train in Vain – The Clash
This song is about love and heartbreak. The singer feels like his love was wasted, like a train that never arrived.
The Clash use the train as a way to show feelings of being let down. The song is full of energy but has a sad message.
7. Freight Train – Elizabeth Cotten
This song is about the sound of a train passing by and the memories it brings. It’s a calm, simple song that’s been loved for years.
Elizabeth Cotten wrote it when she was young, and it became a folk classic. The song reminds listeners of how peaceful and nostalgic train sounds can be.
8. Mystery Train – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley sings about a train that took his lover away. The train represents the loss and mystery of love that didn’t last.
This song is loved by fans of rock and roll, with a tune that sticks with you. It’s both haunting and beautiful.
9. Downtown Train – Tom Waits
Tom Waits sings about seeing someone he loves on a downtown train. He wonders if he’ll ever be with her.
The song has a feeling of loneliness, like he’s always watching her but never able to connect. The train becomes a symbol of missed chances.
10. People Get Ready – The Impressions
This song is about a train that represents faith and hope. It’s an uplifting song about preparing for something positive.
The Impressions remind everyone that there’s a place on this train for everyone who believes. It’s a song full of hope and encouragement.
11. Train – Goldfrapp
This song by Goldfrapp uses a train as a symbol of speed and power. The lyrics talk about the fast pace of life and the desire for more excitement.
The song has a catchy beat and is fun to listen to, but it also makes you think about the cost of wanting more and more in life.
12. Rock ‘N’ Roll Train – AC/DC
This rock song is full of energy and excitement. The train in this song is like a rollercoaster, fast and wild.
AC/DC brings a lot of power with their music, and this song makes you want to move. It’s perfect for anyone who loves rock music.
13. Night Train – James Brown
James Brown brings his funky style to this song about a night train. The music is lively, with lots of soul and rhythm.
This song is great for dancing, and it has a cool, relaxed feel that makes you think of a train moving through the night.
14. Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel
This song is about wanting to go home. The singer is on a journey but dreams of returning to familiar places.
Simon & Garfunkel sing with feeling, and it makes you think about the comfort of home. It’s a peaceful, thoughtful song.
15. Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne sings about a “crazy train” that represents wild, unpredictable behavior. It’s a rock classic with a strong beat.
This song is exciting and loud, capturing the feeling of being on a train that’s out of control. It’s a favorite for rock fans.
16. Downbound Train – Bruce Springsteen
This song tells the story of someone whose life is going downhill, like a train headed downwards. It’s sad and emotional.
Bruce Springsteen’s voice brings out the pain in the story. It’s a song that makes you think about hard times and loss.
17. One After 909 – The Beatles
The Beatles sing about waiting for a train that never arrives. It’s a playful song with a bit of humor in it.
With a catchy tune, it shows the excitement of waiting and then the disappointment when things don’t go as planned.
18. 500 Miles – Peter, Paul and Mary
This folk song is about traveling far from home and feeling lonely. The train in the song is a symbol of distance and separation.
It’s a simple, heartfelt song that many people can relate to, especially those who miss loved ones.
19. Love Train – The O’Jays
This song is all about spreading love around the world. The train represents unity, bringing people together.
The O’Jays use a fun, upbeat rhythm that makes you want to sing along. It’s a feel-good song with a positive message.
20. Train Kept A-Rollin’ – Aerosmith
Aerosmith sings about a train that keeps going and doesn’t stop. The song has a strong, energetic beat that’s exciting to listen to.
It’s a rock song that shows the power of movement and momentum, like a train that just keeps rolling on.
21. Stop This Train – John Mayer
John Mayer sings about wanting to stop time, like stopping a fast-moving train. The song reflects on growing up and the changes in life.
It’s a gentle, thoughtful song that many people can relate to, especially those feeling like life is moving too quickly.
22. Waiting for a Train – Jimmie Rodgers
This classic song by Jimmie Rodgers is about waiting for a train that might not come. It’s a sad song about loneliness and hope.
With a simple melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song connects with anyone who’s ever waited for something that never arrived.
23. Take the “A” Train – Duke Ellington
This jazz song is about taking the “A” train to Harlem. It’s upbeat and full of energy, representing the joy of the journey.
Duke Ellington’s music brings the streets of New York to life. It’s a fun, lively piece for jazz lovers and city fans alike.
24. Train, Train – Blackfoot
Blackfoot’s song is about a train that symbolizes leaving and moving on. It’s a rock song with a strong rhythm and powerful lyrics.
This song is for people who need to leave something behind and find a new path. It’s full of energy and determination.
25. Runaway Train – Soul Asylum
This song tells the story of feeling lost and out of control, like a runaway train. It’s a mix of sadness and hope for finding direction.
Soul Asylum’s lyrics are powerful, showing how it feels when life gets tough, but also reminding us to keep going.
26. Hear My Train A Comin’ – Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix sings about waiting for a train that represents freedom. The song has a bluesy sound that’s raw and emotional.
This song shows Hendrix’s amazing guitar skills and his unique style. It’s a song for those looking for a break and a new start.
27. Trains – Porcupine Tree
This song by Porcupine Tree reflects on childhood memories connected to trains. It’s emotional, with deep, thoughtful lyrics.
It makes listeners think about the past and how trains are tied to memories and important moments in life.
28. Mystery Train – Junior Parker
Junior Parker’s “Mystery Train” is a blues song about a train that symbolizes mystery and the unknown.
The song has a simple, bluesy sound that’s haunting yet calming. It’s a classic song for anyone who enjoys the blues.
29. Railroad Lady – Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson sings about a woman who lives her life riding trains. The song tells a story of freedom and a life on the move.
It’s a gentle, folk song that paints a picture of life on the rails and the unique people who choose that path.
30. Train Song – Vashti Bunyan
This soft song by Vashti Bunyan is about waiting for a train that brings comfort and love. It’s peaceful and full of hope.
The gentle melody and Bunyan’s soft voice make this song feel like a lullaby. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxing, soothing song about trains.