This Train
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
This train is a clean train, you know, this train This train is a clean train, I said, this train This train is a clean train, everybody riding in Jesus' name Because this train is a clean train, oh, this train This train has left the station, you know, this train This train has left the station, I said, this train This train has left the station and this train takes on every nation Because this train is a clean train, you know, this train It's the prettiest train I ever have seen, oh, this train It's the prettiest train I ever have seen, oh, this train It's the prettiest train I ever have seen But if you want to ride it, you better get redeemed Because this train is a clean train, oh, this train This train is bound for glory, this train This train is bound for glory, I said, this train This train is bound for glory, everybody riding her must be holy Because this train is a clean train, you know, this train You know, this train don't pull no jokers, I'm on this train This train don't pull no jokers, no, this train I said, this train don't pull no jokers No tobacco chewers and no cigar smokers Because this train is a clean train, you know, this train This train don't pull no weight 'cause I'm on this train This train don't pull no weight 'cause I'm on this train This train don't pull no weight 'cause no prop shooter to no whisky drinker Because this train is a clean train, this train
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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. 6 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35181903/Sister+Rosetta+Tharpe/This+Train>.
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