Intro
Johnny Money's 1960 principle album "Ride This Train" is a musical journey across America, as the renowned country vocalist explores the experiences of various characters living in different states. The eighth album in his extensive discography, "Ride This Train" is a display of Cash's storytelling prowess and his capability to stimulate emotions with his deep baritone.
Album Concept
Breaking away from standard song collections, "Ride This Train" follows a concept frequently described as the first concept album in country music. The album takes listeners on a train flight through the heart of the United States, with Cash as the conductor. Each of the twelve tracks concentrates on different stories, characters, and places, painting a vivid picture of American landscapes and culture. Money's spoken introductions and narration between tunes further enhance the storytelling element, cultivating a sense of individual connection with the audience.
Track List and Themes
1. "Loading Coal" - As the journey starts, Cash informs the story of a Kentucky coal miner's difficult life as he loads coal onto the train.
2. "Slow Rider" - This song portrays a fading cowboy who as soon as rode herds with legends like Buffalo Bill however is now lonesome and forgotten.
3. "Lumberjack" - Cash presents a lumberjack from Louisiana called Big Joe Yank, highlighting the difficult work of forestry employees.
4. "Dorraine of Ponchartrain" - A melancholic love story embeded in Louisiana, this ballad information the unrequited love a man has for a female called Dorraine, who drowns unfortunately in a storm.
5. "Going to Memphis" - A mournful tale of a guy on a chain gang, who has been sentenced for life for murdering his unfaithful better half, leaves a haunting impression.
6. "When Papa Played the Dobro" - A lighter tune, Cash reminisces about a daddy who played the dobro guitar, adding heat and pleasure to the family.
7. "Boss Jack" - This tale of a cotton worker in Mississippi clarifies the difficult working conditions workers dealt with, as they labored under a requiring manager.
8. "Old Doc Brown" - A tribute to a devoted nation physician, Cash supplies a tender and sentimental take a look at small-town life.
9. "The Fable of Willie Brown" - Cash weaves the tale of a journeyman artist who never achieved fame or wealth but left his mark on those who knew him.
10. "Second Honeymoon" - A sincere exploration of the love between an elderly couple commemorating their wedding anniversary, this track offers a much deeper understanding of enduring relationships.
11. "Ballad of the Harp Weaver" - A poignant story of a bad widow who weaves a harp for her boy, utilizing the strings of her heart, eventually leading to her death.
12. "Smilin' Bill McCall" - The train ride ends on a lighter note, with the funny story of a guy who had nothing go his method but remained resilient and positive.
Tradition and Impact
"Ride This Train" not only solidified Johnny Cash's music legacy however also originated the principle album genre in c and w. By weaving an immersive tapestry of Americana with compelling storytelling, Cash laid the structure for lots of future musicians to experiment with their songwriting. Additionally, the album's exploration of life's myriad feelings - love, heartbreak, joy, and battle - made "Ride This Train" a long-lasting reflection of American culture, making it a well-deserved location in the history of popular music.
Artist: Johnny Cash
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