I Rode ‘Em All, Man (2019 update)

w&m by Anne Hills
© Raven Heart Music, ASCAP

Since the release of Tracks (2014), people have given me ideas and suggestions for some additional lyrics for this one. My trip to Colorado this summer gave me the chance to go into the studio with Don Richmond (at Howlin’ Dog Studios) to add a couple of new verses.

I rode ’em all, man, big and small man
coal and steam, man, it’s a been a dream, man
iron and steel, man, yeah, it’s been real, man
I’m gonna ride ’em ’til I’m done

I rode the …
milk run, bullet train, monorail, funicular
boat train, freight train, you know, I’m not particular
intercity, mainline, cable train was just fine
diesel engine, light rail, turbine blazed a trail
switchback, subway, cargo and by the way
Amtrak, metro, any way you wanna go

I took the …
Pennsylvanian, Maple Leaf, Zephyr and the Super Chief
rode the Lake Shore Limited, Adirondack yes, I did
Crescent and the Starlight, Illini and the Cardinal bright
Down where Hiawatha grew, and the old Blue Water too
City of New Orlean’s track, Heartland Flyer took me back
different lines at different times, great to ride but hard to rhyme

I took the Phoebe Snow, “Don’cha know” but not from Minnesotio
On the Lackawanna Line, had a car where I could dine
Panama, Chicotaw, Chippewa, Royal Blue
Flying Yankee, Minute Man, caught the Comet passin’ through
Train to Morrow, not today, Chessie and the Santa Fe
Midnight Special shine your light, know the song but not tonight

the Whiskey Central, Suzie Q, Hell & Back and where were you?
Rode Delay and Hesitate and the Better Not Send Freight
Beets and Onion, Sleepy Rail same one as the CP Fail
Can’t and Never Will Run Right, Monkeys Runnin’ Loose, at night
Easy Jobs for Everyone, Cuss the Boss and Quit For Fun
Slowly Breaking Down, that’s true, Old and Weary, I am too!

Palmetto and the Hoosier State, Wolverine, now that’s a date
Ethan Allen, Auto Train, Piedmont and the what’s his name
Vermonter and the Silver Star, Texas Eagle isn’t far
Meteor and Rio Grande, Saluki just across the land
Missouri River Runner’s fast, Keystone, that is not the last
Of course, the Carolinian, don’t ask me to begin again

released August 13, 2019