Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash – Down There By The Train

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About The Song

Johnny Cash, the man in black, has a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. “Down There By The Train” is a prime example of his talent for crafting haunting and evocative ballads. Released in 1969 as part of his album At Folsom Prison, this song stands as a testament to Cash’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep level.

The song’s lyrics, penned by Bob Dylan, paint a vivid picture of a man contemplating life, death, and the passage of time. The imagery of a train, often symbolizing life’s journey, is central to the song. The narrator, standing “down there by the train,” reflects on his past, present, and future, contemplating the mysteries of existence.

Cash’s deep, resonant voice perfectly captures the melancholy and introspection of the lyrics. His delivery is both haunting and comforting, inviting listeners to delve into the depths of their own emotions. The sparse instrumentation, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar and subtle pedal steel, creates a haunting atmosphere that enhances the song’s emotional impact.

“Down There By The Train” is more than just a mournful ballad; it’s a meditation on the human condition. The song’s themes of mortality, regret, and the search for meaning have resonated with listeners for generations. The song’s power lies in its simplicity; there are no complex arrangements or flashy production techniques to distract from the raw emotion of the lyrics and the performance.

The song’s inclusion on the At Folsom Prison album gave it added significance. Recorded live in front of a captive audience of inmates, the performance added a layer of authenticity and intensity to the song. Cash’s connection with the prisoners and his ability to convey their hopes and fears through his music made “Down There By The Train” a standout track on the album.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s63OAJHr9Us

Lyric

There’s a place I know where the train goes slowWhere the sinner can be washed in the blood of the lambThere’s a river by the trestle down by sinner’s groveDown where the willow and the dogwood grow
You can hear the whistle, you can hear the bellFrom the halls of heaven to the gates of hellAnd there’s room for the forsaken, if you’re there on timeYou’ll be washed of all your sins and all of your crimesIf you’re down there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there where the train goes slow
There’s a golden moon that shines up through the mistAnd I know that your name can be on that listThere’s no eye for an eye, there’s no tooth for a toothI saw Judas Iscariot carrying John Wilkes BoothHe was down there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainHe was down there where the train goes slow
If you’ve lost all your hope, if you’ve lost all your faithI know you can be cared for and I know you can be safeAnd all the shamefuls and all of the whoresAnd even the soldier who pierced the side of the LordIs down there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there where the train goes slow
Well, I’ve never asked forgiveness and I’ve never said a prayerNever given of myself, never truly caredI’ve left the ones who loved me and I’m still raising CainI’ve taken the low road and if you’ve done the sameMeet me down there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there where the train goes slow
Meet me down there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there by the trainDown there where the train goes slow
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