Week 3 Blog Post

The song “Waiting for a Train” by Jimmie Rodgers is a blues song that came out in 1929. In this song, the singer laments about an unfortunate situation he has found himself in – on a rainy night, he is stranded in Frisco, Texas, waiting for a train he can take to return to his home in Dixieland. Unfortunately, he has no money, and has had no luck convincing a railroad worker to let him ride for free. The song ends with the powerful lyrics “I’m a thousand miles away from home just waiting for a train.”

Musically, the song is as sad as its lyrics. The singer is accompanied by a muted horn and an acoustic guitar, which gives the song a uniquely somber quality.

Because this song came out approximately when the great depression started, it is quite likely that its lyrics resonated deeply with its listeners – many people during this time period suffered from great financial hardships and poor mental health. The line “Nobody seems to want me or lend me a helping hand” must have been relatable to men of the time, as breadwinners have historically expressed such feelings when unable to provide for their families.

Personally, I really enjoyed this song for its simplicity and its ability to convey powerful emotions. It reminds me a lot of jazz in that sense. It also reminds me of an event in my life when I was waiting for a train alone on a rainy night, without a jacket and carrying a saxophone home from band practice.