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"City of New Orleans" is a country folk song written by Steve Goodman (and first recorded for Goodman's self-titled 1971 album), describing a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad's City of New Orleans in bittersweet and nostalgic terms. Arlo Guthrie version: While at the Quiet Knight bar in Chicago, Goodman saw Arlo Guthrie, and asked to be allowed to play a song for him. Guthrie grudgingly agreed, on the condition that if Goodman bought him a beer, Guthrie would listen to him play for as long as it took to drink the beer. Goodman played "City of New Orleans", which Guthrie liked enough that he asked to record it. The song was a hit for Guthrie on his 1972 album Hobo's Lullaby, reaching #4 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and #18 on the Hot 100. “ City of New Orleans" spent two weeks at number one, charting throughout the winter of 1973. Guthrie's version of "The City of New Orleans" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017. The lyrics follow a journey on the Illinois Central railroad, known as "The City of New Orleans," through various landscapes and moments in time. Throughout the song, several recurring themes and symbolic elements can be identified. The train itself serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and change. It represents the enduring spirit of America, bridging the gap between different places, generations, and cultures. It connects people from all walks of life, including "old black men" in freight yards, sons of Pullman porters, and sons of engineers. The train is a unifying force that links these diverse individuals and their shared experiences, much like the magic carpets "made of steel" mentioned in the song. This symbolizes the idea that, despite their differences, Americans are connected by a common history and journey. The lyrics also touch upon the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The song's refrain, "I'll be gone five hundred miles when the day is done," emphasizes the transitory nature of the journey and how quickly time passes. It suggests that life itself is a journey, and we are all travelers in this world, moving through various stages and experiences. The references to "good morning America" and "goodnight America" at the beginning and end of the song evoke a sense of greeting and farewell. This reinforces the idea that the journey on the City of New Orleans is a microcosm of life itself, with its beginnings and endings, and the cyclical nature of existence. The song also highlights the power of music and rhythm to soothe and connect people. Passengers on the train are depicted as rocking to the "gentle beat," and the conductor singing his songs again, which brings a sense of comfort and unity. This illustrates how music can transcend differences and bring people together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJIhsSWAmP8

Mark and Jacque