A song played on a Martin Backpacker guitar. Martins, Americana at its best.
Keep That Train A Rolling
Words and music by Sean Tully
Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Train Songs: A Journey Through American Folk Music
The rhythmic chug of a train, the distant whistle, and the steady click of wheels have long been integral to American music. Train songs, especially in folk and country traditions, reflect the nation’s history, from westward expansion to economic hardship, capturing both dreams and struggles.
These songs emerged in the 19th century when railroads were transforming the American landscape. Locomotives symbolized adventure and progress, inspiring early songs performed in minstrel shows and by traveling entertainers. One of the most iconic examples is “The Ballad of Casey Jones,” recorded in 1909. Telling of a heroic engineer who dies trying to save his passengers, the song became a folk standard, covered by artists like Johnny Cash, and speaks to the train’s deep roots in American folklore.
As society changed, so did train songs. The Great Depression brought a darker tone, with songs like “Wreck of the Old 97” portraying labor exploitation and the perils of industrial life. Based on a 1903 disaster, the ballad laments the engineer’s fate and hints at corporate negligence—showing how trains, once symbols of hope, also came to represent danger and sacrifice.
The 1950s and 60s folk revival revived and reshaped these classics. Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger used train songs to address justice and freedom. Guthrie’s “This Train Is Bound for Glory” and Seeger’s “The Midnight Special” used rail imagery to speak to broader struggles. These songs evolved into metaphors for progress, escape, and equality.
In the latter 20th century, artists like Johnny Cash continued the tradition with raw, emotional takes on train themes. “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hey Porter” blend personal struggle with the ever-present rhythm of rail life, further cementing the train’s place in American song.
Train songs also made their way into children’s music. Elizabeth Cotten’s “Freight Train,” written in the early 1900s, has been sung across generations for its gentle melody and universal message. With its simple longing for escape and movement, it’s easy to see why it resonates.
Ultimately, train songs endure because they preserve American stories—of labor, longing, freedom, and loss. Whether celebrating a journey or mourning a wreck, they remain vital threads in the tapestry of American musical heritage.
The Martin Backpacker Guitar: A Compact Companion
The Martin Backpacker is one of the most distinctive acoustic guitars ever made. Created in the early 1990s by C.F. Martin & Co., it was designed to combine Martin’s signature tone with maximum portability—a guitar for musicians who never want to be without an instrument.
Introduced in 1993, the Backpacker features a slim, teardrop-shaped body and a short scale length. Though its unconventional shape stands out, its tone surprises many players. Through careful wood selection—commonly a spruce top with mahogany back and sides—it delivers a rich, resonant sound that belies its size.
Weighing just over two pounds and under three feet long, the Backpacker is ideal for travel. Whether on hikes, flights, or camping trips, it fits into situations where full-sized guitars would be impractical. Some models even feature built-in electronics for amplified performance, adding versatility.
Though designed as a travel instrument, the Backpacker has found fans beyond just casual players. Its quality craftsmanship and reliability have made it a favorite practice guitar and even a go-to gigging instrument for some. Its design also invites conversation and admiration for its innovation.
In the world of acoustic instruments, the Martin Backpacker stands as proof that portability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. It’s a unique blend of craftsmanship, practicality, and creativity—a perfect partner for the wandering musician.
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Originally posted by UCPa5kz8whXK6whX4bhSQr5w at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBYIWDFIVYE
