NOTE: This is John Denver s version of this classic american song most known by Arlo Guthrie.
The lyrics are slightly different than Arlos version. However, I prefer these ones.
Also you can watch Fretkillr s cover of this on Youtube to help you playin. He s the
one I ve seen on youtube playin with these same chords and lyrics.
By the way, this is the only tab I ve seen on the web with these chords (that I think
better) so I decided to send it.
[Intro]
Ridin on the City of New Orleans
Illinois Central Monday mornin rail
There s 15 cars, and 15 restless riders
3 conductors and 25 sacks of mail
All along a southbound oddyssey, and the train pulls out of Kankakee
And rolls along past the houses, farms and fields
Passin towns that have no name, and freightyards full of old grey men
The graveyards of the rusted automobiles
[Chorus]
Singin good mornin America, how are you?
Sayin don t you know me?, I m your native son
Bm-Bm7-E7
I m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.
[Verse]
I was playin cards with the old men in the club car.
Penny a point, ainât no one keepin score
Pass the paper bag that holds that bottle.
I can hear the wheels rumblin thru the floor.
And the sons of Pullman Porters, and the sons of engineers
Ride their father s magic carpet made of steel
And their days are full of restless, and their dreams are full of mem ries
And the echos of the freight train whistleâs clear
[Chorus]
Singin good mornin America, how are you?
Sayin don t you know me?, I m your native son
Bm-Bm7-E7
I m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.
[Verse]
And its twilight on the City of New Orleans.
Talk about your pocket full of friends
Half way home, and we ll be there by mornin
With no tomorrow waiting âround the bend
[Chorus]
Good night America, how are you?
Sayin don t you know me?, I m your native son
Bm-Bm7-E7
I m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.
Singin good mornin America, how are you?
Sayin don t you know me?, I m your native son
Bm-Bm7-E7
I m the train they call the City of New Orleans
I ll be gone 500 miles when the day is done.
Tabbed by ear by Migue, with the help of Fretkillr s video ;)
