Essential Listening #57: Freight Train

My Comments

This is another country song every guitar player is expected to know. Elizebeth calls it ‘Cotten picking’ but it’s similar to Travis picking.

Details

“Freight Train” is a classic American folk song written by Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten. It is one of her most famous compositions and has become a standard in the folk music repertoire. Here’s an in-depth look at the song, its background, and its impact:

Song Overview

• Title: Freight Train
• Artist: Elizabeth Cotten
• Genre: Folk, Country Blues
• Length: Various recordings range around 2-3 minutes
• First Recorded: 1957
• Label: Released on various labels, including Folkways Records

Background and History

• Elizabeth Cotten: Elizabeth Cotten was born in 1893 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was a self-taught musician who developed a unique style of playing guitar, known as “Cotten picking,” which involves an alternating bass pattern played with the thumb and melody picked with the fingers. Cotten was left-handed and played a right-handed guitar upside down, contributing to her distinctive sound.
• Composition of “Freight Train”: Cotten wrote “Freight Train” when she was just 11 or 12 years old. The song reflects her fascination with the sounds of the freight trains that passed near her home in North Carolina. It captures the longing for adventure and the movement of trains.
• Rediscovery and Recording: Despite writing the song as a child, Cotten’s music did not gain significant attention until she was in her 60s. She was working as a housekeeper for the Seeger family (folk musician Pete Seeger’s family) when she was “rediscovered.” The Seegers encouraged her to perform and record her songs, leading to the first recording of “Freight Train” in 1957.

Musical Style

• Guitar Technique: Cotten’s “Cotten picking” style is central to “Freight Train.” Her use of alternating bass lines and syncopated melodies gives the song a rolling, rhythmic feel that mirrors the movement of a train.
• Melody and Lyrics: The song features a simple yet evocative melody. The lyrics express a desire to escape and travel, with the train serving as a metaphor for freedom and the journey through life.

Themes and Lyrics

• Themes: “Freight Train” explores themes of travel, freedom, and nostalgia. The train symbolizes a means of escape and adventure, reflecting Cotten’s youthful dreams and the universal desire for exploration.
• Imagery: The lyrics vividly describe the sound and movement of the train, painting a picture of rural American life and the longing for new experiences.

Impact and Legacy

• Influence on Folk Music: “Freight Train” became a foundational piece in the American folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Jerry Garcia. The song’s widespread appeal and accessibility have made it a staple for guitarists and folk musicians.
• Elizabeth Cotten’s Legacy: Cotten’s contributions to folk music extend beyond “Freight Train.” Her unique playing style and compositions have influenced generations of musicians. She received several honors later in life, including a Grammy Award for her album “Elizabeth Cotten Live!” in 1985.
• Cultural Significance: The song remains an enduring symbol of American folk music, representing the rich tradition of storytelling through song. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of African American musicians in the early 20th century.

Notable Performances and Recordings

• Original Recording: Elizabeth Cotten’s original recording of “Freight Train” can be found on the album Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar (1958), released by Folkways Records. This recording captures her authentic style and heartfelt delivery.
• Covers and Adaptations: The song has been interpreted in various musical styles, from folk to blues to bluegrass. Each artist brings their own interpretation, keeping the song fresh and relevant across different musical landscapes.

Conclusion

“Freight Train” is a timeless folk classic that showcases Elizabeth Cotten’s remarkable talent and creativity. Her distinctive guitar style and evocative storytelling have left an indelible mark on the folk music tradition. The song continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike, serving as a testament to Cotten’s enduring legacy in American music.