“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“The Old Log Train” isn’t just a song; it’s a heartfelt ode to a simpler time, woven with the nostalgia of the past and the enduring love of a son for his father. When Hank Williams sings about the old log train, it’s as if he’s inviting you to step back in time with him, to a place where hard work and family ties meant everything.
This song is special because it taps into that universal feeling of longing for the days gone by, the days when the world moved a little slower, and the sounds of the old train chugging along were a comforting part of daily life. Williams’ voice, steeped in emotion, carries the weight of a thousand memories, and it’s hard not to feel a pang of bittersweet sadness as he recounts the story of the old log train that once echoed through the valleys.
But it’s more than just a song about a train; it’s a tribute to his father, who worked tirelessly in the logging industry, providing for his family through sweat and toil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the man and the machine, both working in tandem through the rough landscapes, leaving an indelible mark on the singer’s heart. It’s a simple tune, yet it carries the depth of a lifetime of experiences and the love that endures beyond the years.
Listening to “The Old Log Train” is like sitting down with an old friend who’s telling you a story that’s been passed down through the generations. It’s a song that reminds us of where we come from, the sacrifices made by those before us, and the love that connects us all, no matter how much time has passed.
Video
Lyrics
… If you will listen
A song I will sing
About my daddy
Who ran a log train
… Way down in the southland
In old Alabam’
We lived in a place
That they called Chapman Town
… And late in the evening
When the sun was low
Way off in the distance
You could hear the train blow
… The folks would come runnin’
And mama would sing
Get the supper on the table
Here comes the log train
… Every morning
At the break day
He’d grab his lunch bucket
And be on his way
… Winter or summer
Sunshine or rain
Every morning he’d run
That old log train
… A sweatin’ and swearin’
All day long
Shoutin’ get up the oxens
Keep movin’ along
… Load’er up boys
‘Cause it looks like rain
I’ve got to get rollin’
This old log train
… This story happened
A long time ago
The log train is silent
God called dad to go
… But when I get to heaven
To always remain
I’ll listen for whistle
On the old log train