Essential Listening #7: Mystery Train
My Comments
This song is the must iconic of early Elvis songs. Every rockabilly band that ever existed covered this classic.
Details
“Mystery Train” is a classic blues and rockabilly song that has become a cornerstone in the history of rock and roll. Here’s an in-depth look at its history, composition, impact, and legacy:
Background and Release
- Original Artist: Junior Parker (also known as Little Junior Parker)
- Original Release Date: 1953
- Original Label: Sun Records
- Genre: Blues, Rockabilly
Composition
- Writers: Junior Parker and Sam Phillips
- Instrumentation: The original version by Junior Parker features harmonica, guitar, bass, and drums. The song has a rhythmic, driving blues feel.
- Structure: “Mystery Train” follows a standard 12-bar blues structure with a steady rhythm and a repeating riff that creates a sense of movement, akin to the motion of a train.
Junior Parker’s Version
- Recording: Junior Parker recorded “Mystery Train” with his band, The Blue Flames, at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Sound: Parker’s version is characterized by its harmonica lead, steady rhythm, and Parker’s smooth vocal delivery. The song reflects the traditional blues style with a hint of the emerging rockabilly sound.
Elvis Presley’s Version
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Release Date: 1955
- Label: Sun Records
- Genre: Rockabilly, Rock and Roll
- Recording: Elvis recorded his version of “Mystery Train” at Sun Studio, produced by Sam Phillips. His backing band included guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.
- Sound: Elvis’s version is faster and more upbeat than Parker’s original. It features a prominent guitar riff by Scotty Moore, a driving bass line by Bill Black, and Presley’s dynamic vocal performance.
- B-Side: The single was released with “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” on the B-side.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Mystery Train” tell the story of a man whose lover has left him, with the train symbolizing her departure. The train is described as “sixteen coaches long” and “the longest train I ever saw,” emphasizing the emotional weight of the departure.
Opening Lines:
Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Well that long black train got my baby and gone
Chart Performance
- Junior Parker’s Version: While it did not achieve significant commercial success, it became a well-regarded blues standard.
- Elvis Presley’s Version: It reached number 11 on the Billboard Country Chart and contributed to Presley’s rising popularity.
Influence and Legacy
- Impact on Rock and Roll: “Mystery Train” is considered one of the foundational songs of rock and roll. Elvis’s version, in particular, helped bridge the gap between blues and rockabilly, influencing countless artists.
- Cover Versions: The song has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, including The Band, Paul Butterfield, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Each rendition brings a unique interpretation to the classic.
- Cultural References: “Mystery Train” has been featured in various films, TV shows, and documentaries, often used to evoke the spirit of the early rock and roll era.
Recognition and Honors
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Elvis Presley’s version of “Mystery Train” is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
- Rolling Stone List: The song has appeared on several “greatest songs” lists, highlighting its enduring influence.
Notable Appearances
- Movies and TV: The song has been used in films such as “Mystery Train” (1989) directed by Jim Jarmusch, which takes its title from the song and weaves the song into the film’s narrative.
- Live Performances: Both Junior Parker and Elvis Presley performed “Mystery Train” live, and it remains a popular choice for artists in concert settings.
Legacy
“Mystery Train” stands as a timeless piece that captures the essence of the transition from blues to rock and roll. Its compelling lyrics, evocative melody, and the powerful performances by Junior Parker and Elvis Presley ensure its place as a classic in American music history. The song’s influence continues to resonate, inspiring new generations of musicians and listeners.