Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

You don’t hear it coming—but when Alan Jackson’s “Freight Train” rolls in, it hits you right in the heart. No flash, no rush—just the kind of slow-burning truth that lingers. With that unmistakable Southern ease, Alan tells a story of quiet strength, fading love, and time that never waits. It’s simple. It’s soulful. And it stays with you long after the final note fades.

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

“Freight Train” is the sixteenth studio album by American country music artist Alan Jackson, released on March 30, 2010. This album showcases Jackson’s traditional country style, blending it with modern influences to appeal to both long-time fans and new listeners. “Freight Train” includes a collection of new tracks that reflect Jackson’s signature storytelling approach, solidifying his place in the country music scene.

About The Composition

  • Title: Freight Train
  • Composer: Alan Jackson
  • Premiere Date: March 30, 2010
  • Album/Opus/Collection: Freight Train
  • Genre: Country

Background

“Freight Train” was released under the Arista Nashville label, and it followed Jackson’s previous album, “Good Time,” which came out in 2008. The album was produced by Keith Stegall, who has collaborated with Jackson on many of his earlier projects. “Freight Train” features 12 tracks, including the lead single “It’s Just That Way,” which received significant airplay on country radio. The album reflects Jackson’s comfort with his musical identity, offering songs that range from upbeat tunes to heartfelt ballads.

Musical Style

The musical style of “Freight Train” is rooted in traditional country, characterized by its use of acoustic guitars, fiddles, and steel guitars. Jackson’s smooth baritone voice complements the melodies, creating a warm and familiar sound. The album balances contemporary country elements with classic rhythms, maintaining a traditional feel while appealing to a modern audience.

Lyrics/Libretto

The lyrical themes in “Freight Train” focus on love, life, and introspection. Jackson’s storytelling ability shines through in tracks that explore both personal and universal experiences. The lyrics are crafted with sincerity and simplicity, resonating with listeners who appreciate the authenticity of country music.

Performance History

Upon its release, “Freight Train” was supported by a tour that featured performances of its tracks alongside Jackson’s classic hits. The album’s songs were well-received in live performances, with audiences appreciating the blend of new material and familiar favorites. Notably, Alan Jackson performed songs from “Freight Train” at various country music festivals and television appearances, further promoting the album.

Cultural Impact

“Freight Train” contributed to Alan Jackson’s legacy as a stalwart of country music. The album’s release was met with positive reviews, and it appeared on several country music charts. Its impact is evident in its continued airplay on country stations and its influence on emerging country artists who admire Jackson’s style and authenticity.

Legacy

Today, “Freight Train” is considered a significant part of Alan Jackson’s discography, representing his ability to adapt to the changing sounds of country music while staying true to his roots. The album’s enduring importance is reflected in its continued popularity and its role in defining the sound of 21st-century country music.

Conclusion

“Freight Train” by Alan Jackson is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal in the country music genre. Its blend of traditional and contemporary elements makes it a valuable listen for fans of country music. I encourage readers to explore this album and experience the storytelling and musicianship that have made Alan Jackson a beloved figure in music.

Video

Lyrics

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 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 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

Related Post

Country Music

“Nothing you would take, everything you gave.” When Willie Nelson’s weathered voice wraps around these Pearl Jam lyrics, something magical happens—they become entirely his own, as if they were written for him to sing in his twilight years. In “Just Breathe,” he doesn’t just cover a song—he transforms it into a gentle meditation on mortality and gratitude that only someone who’s lived nearly nine decades could truly deliver. The fragility in his voice carries the weight of someone who understands that our time here is limited, making each word feel like wisdom earned through years of loving and losing. There’s something profoundly moving about hearing an American legend remind us of life’s simplest truth: sometimes, when overwhelmed by it all, the most powerful thing we can do is just breathe.

Country Music

“‘When it comes to love, I’ve all but given up,’ he sings, and suddenly everyone who’s ever lost someone feels a little less alone.” The way Vince Gill delivers each line in “Tryin’ To Get Over You” feels like pages torn from a diary too painful to read but too honest to ignore. His voice—tender yet resolute—captures that specific kind of heartache that comes when the wedding ring is removed and the future you planned disappears. The simplicity of the melody only amplifies the complexity of emotions he’s expressing, creating space for that raw vulnerability to breathe. There’s something deeply moving about watching someone transform personal pain into universal connection, reminding us that even in our loneliest moments, someone else understands that sometimes moving on isn’t just difficult—it feels impossible.

Country Music

The moment Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett teamed up in 2003, something clicked—and it wasn’t just the guitars. “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” didn’t just top charts; it spoke for everyone counting the hours ‘til the workday ends. With a cold drink in mind and a good friend by your side, this duet became more than a song—it became a laid-back anthem for every hard-working soul dreaming of that 5 PM escape.

You Missed

Golden Oldies

“The $25 Piano and the Birth of a Legend”. At the age of eight, Johnny Mathis’s father purchased an old upright piano for $25. When he brought it home, it wouldn’t fit through the front door. So that evening, Johnny stayed up all night to watch his father dismant

Country Music

“Nothing you would take, everything you gave.” When Willie Nelson’s weathered voice wraps around these Pearl Jam lyrics, something magical happens—they become entirely his own, as if they were written for him to sing in his twilight years. In “Just Breathe,” he doesn’t just cover a song—he transforms it into a gentle meditation on mortality and gratitude that only someone who’s lived nearly nine decades could truly deliver. The fragility in his voice carries the weight of someone who understands that our time here is limited, making each word feel like wisdom earned through years of loving and losing. There’s something profoundly moving about hearing an American legend remind us of life’s simplest truth: sometimes, when overwhelmed by it all, the most powerful thing we can do is just breathe.

Country Music

“‘When it comes to love, I’ve all but given up,’ he sings, and suddenly everyone who’s ever lost someone feels a little less alone.” The way Vince Gill delivers each line in “Tryin’ To Get Over You” feels like pages torn from a diary too painful to read but too honest to ignore. His voice—tender yet resolute—captures that specific kind of heartache that comes when the wedding ring is removed and the future you planned disappears. The simplicity of the melody only amplifies the complexity of emotions he’s expressing, creating space for that raw vulnerability to breathe. There’s something deeply moving about watching someone transform personal pain into universal connection, reminding us that even in our loneliest moments, someone else understands that sometimes moving on isn’t just difficult—it feels impossible.

Golden Oldies

“Kiss today goodbye, the sweetness and the sorrow…” His voice carries decades of emotion as Johnny Mathis breathes new life into this Broadway classic. The gentle power in his delivery transforms a song about sacrifice into a universal anthem that speaks to anyone who’s ever given their heart completely. When he sings “love is never gone as we travel on,” you feel the weight of every goodbye and the warmth of every memory that refuses to fade. Mathis doesn’t just perform songs—he inhabits them, making each note a confession. His interpretation reminds us that true love isn’t measured by what we receive, but by what we’re willing to surrender.