This Train
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
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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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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.
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Artist BackgroundSister 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.
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Song ThemeThe 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.
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Notable PerformancesOne 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.
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Unique StyleIn 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.
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Influence on other ArtistsSister 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.
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Song VersionsThere 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.
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Induction into the Hall of FameIn 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.
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Context of the SongDuring 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.
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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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Citation
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"This Train Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18761346/Sister+Rosetta+Tharpe/This+Train>.
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