Introduction
“Freight Train” is the title track from Alan Jackson’s sixteenth studio album, released on March 30, 2010. Written by Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith, the song presents a compelling metaphor of a man likening himself to a freight train, symbolizing his desire to break free from a turbulent relationship. The lyrics convey feelings of emotional stagnation and a yearning for liberation, encapsulated in lines like, “Wish I was a freight train, baby / Wish I was a diesel locomotive.”
Musically, “Freight Train” features a bluegrass-inspired arrangement, characterized by energetic fiddle and banjo accompaniments. This instrumentation complements Jackson’s signature baritone voice, delivering a sound that is both traditional and invigorating. The track stands out for its vivid imagery and dynamic rhythm, capturing the essence of movement and escape.
As part of the “Freight Train” album, this song contributes to a collection that reflects Jackson’s personal experiences and storytelling prowess. The album includes tracks inspired by his family life and personal milestones, such as “After 17,” which he wrote when his eldest daughter went to college. This approach underscores Jackson’s ability to infuse his music with authenticity and relatability.
“Freight Train” exemplifies Alan Jackson’s commitment to traditional country music, blending heartfelt lyrics with classic instrumentation. The song’s narrative of seeking freedom from emotional constraints resonates with listeners, reinforcing Jackson’s reputation as a storyteller who captures the complexities of everyday life.
Video
Lyrics
I just came down from Chippewa
Had a station wagon and a 100 dollars
Thinkin’ about the girl I had lost a year before
I hadn’t seen her for some time
Thought I might go on by
When your memory came floodin’ in
And you closed that door
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 didnt 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 didnt 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 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 didnt 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
Woo!
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 didnt 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