This Train

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

About This Train

"This Train", also known as "This Train Is Bound for Glory", is a traditional American gospel song first recorded in 1922. Although its origins are unknown, the song was relatively popular during the 1920s as a religious tune, and it became a gospel hit in the late 1930s for singer-guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. After switching from acoustic to electric guitar, Tharpe released a more secular version of the song in the early 1950s. The song's popularity was also due in part to the influence of folklorists John A. Lomax and Alan Lomax, who discovered the song while making field recordings in the American South in the early 1930s and included it in folk song anthologies that were published in 1934 and 1960. These anthologies brought the song to the attention of an even broader audience during the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s. 


Year:
2009
4:40
83 
#1

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This train don't carry no gamblers, this train                       
This train don't carry no gamblers, this train                       
This train don't carry no gamblers,                       
no whiskey drinkers, and no high flyers                       
This train carry no gamblers, this train                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train is bound for glory,                       
don't carry nothing, but the righteous and the holy                       
This train bound for glory, this train                       
This train don't carry no liars, this train                       
This train don't carry no liars, this train                       
This train don't carry no liars,                       
no hypocrites and no high flyers                       
This train don't carry no liars, this train                       
This train is built for speed, boy, this train                       
This train is built for speed, now, this train                       
This train is built for speed,                       
fastest train you ever did see                      
Now, this train is built for speed, boy, this train                       
This train is solid black, oh, this train                       
This train is solid black, oh, this train                       
This train is solid black,                       
when you go there you don't come back                       
Oh, this train is built for glory, this train                       
This train don't fit no transportation on this train                       
This train don't fit no transportation on this train                       
This train, you know, don't fit no transportation,                       
no Jim Crow and no discrimination on                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train don't care if you white or black on this train                       
This train don't care if you white or black on this train                       
This train don't care if you white or black,                      
everybody's treated just like a man                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train is bound for glory,                       
don't carry nothing but the righteous an' a holy                       
This train is bound for glory, this train                       
This train,                       
This train,                       
This train

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Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Sister Rosetta Tharpe (March 20, 1915 – October 9, 1973) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist. A one-of-a-kind pioneer of 20th-century music, Tharpe attained great popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings that were a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and early rock and roll accompaniment. As the first recording artist to impact the music charts with her spiritual recordings, Tharpe became the first superstar of gospel music and also became known as "the original soul sister." She was a treasured early influence on iconic figures such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Johnny Cash. more »

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Written by: ROSETTA THARPE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"This Train" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe is classified as Gospel Blues. It also incorporates elements of jazz, and swing music, reflecting Tharpe's versatile musical ability.
Artist Background
Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a pioneering figure in the history of American music, known as the "godmother of rock and roll." She rose to prominence in the 1930s and 40s, shattering racial and gender boundaries with her powerful voice and distinct guitar playing style.
Song Theme
The song "This Train" is essentially a Gospel song, with a message about the eternal journey to Heaven. The lyrics convey that the 'train' admits those who are righteous and denies those who are sinful or lead morally wrong lives.
Notable Performances
One of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's most renowned performances of "This Train" was filmed in 1964, at an abandoned railway station in England. The footage, which shows her performing the song to an audience of fans on a rainy day, has become an iconic representation of her career.
Unique Style
In addition to Tharpe's powerful vocals, "This Train" showcases her unique guitar playing style. Unlike many other blues musicians of her time, Tharpe played a Gibson SG electric guitar and used a heavy distortion, contributing to the song's energetic, memorable sound.
Influence on other Artists
Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "This Train" not only became one of her biggest hits but also had a significant influence on many prominent artists, including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan, who have cited Tharpe as an inspiration in their work.
Song Versions
There have been numerous versions and adaptations of "This Train," but Sister Rosetta Tharpe's rendition is by far the most iconic and well-known. The song has been covered by such diverse artists as Bob Marley, Woody Guthrie, and Bruce Springsteen.
Induction into the Hall of Fame
In recognition of her contribution to the music industry, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. "This Train" being one of her signature songs highlighted her contribution to the genre.
Context of the Song
During Tharpe's time, train metaphors were used in many African American gospel songs. "This Train" was originally an African American spiritual that Sister Rosetta Tharpe adapted and made her own.
Album Release
"This Train" is featured on several Sister Rosetta Tharpe collections and compilations, including The Gospel of the Blues, released in 2003, and Sisters of Swing: The Story of the Women in Jazz, released in 2004.

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