About the song

Jimmie Rodgers and the Hobo’s Last Ride

“Hobo Bill’s Last Ride” is a classic country song written and recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1929. The song tells the story of a hobo named Bill who is dying of tuberculosis. Bill decides to take one last ride on a freight train before he dies. As he rides the train, he reflects on his life and his love for the hobo lifestyle. The song ends with Bill’s death, but it also celebrates his freedom and his love of the open road.

“Hobo Bill’s Last Ride” is one of Jimmie Rodgers’ most popular songs. It has been covered by many other artists, including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan. The song is considered to be a classic of the hobo genre, and it has been praised for its realism and its poetic lyrics.

The song is also significant for its historical context. It was released during the Great Depression, when many people were out of work and riding the rails in search of a better life. The song’s depiction of the hobo lifestyle resonated with many people during this time, and it helped to popularize the hobo image in American culture.

“Hobo Bill’s Last Ride” is a more than just a country song. It is a powerful ballad about life, death, and the American dream. The song’s themes of freedom, love, and loss are still relevant today, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.

Here are some additional details about the song:

  • The song was recorded in Bristol, Tennessee, on August 4, 1929.
  • It was released as a 78-rpm single by Victor Records.
  • The song’s B-side was “That’s Why I’m Blue.”
  • “Hobo Bill’s Last Ride” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard charts.
  • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Bob Dylan.
  • It is considered to be a classic of the hobo genre.
  • The song is significant for its historical context, as it was released during the Great Depression.
  • “Hobo Bill’s Last Ride” is a powerful ballad about life, death, and the American dream.

Video

Lyrics

Riding on the eastbound freight train speeding through the nightHobo Bill the railroad bum was fighting for his lifeThe sadness of his eyes revealed the torture of his soulHe raised a weak and weary hand to brush away the coal
No warm lights flickered round him no blankets there to foldNothing but the howling wind the driving rain so coldWhen he heard a whistle blowing in a dreamy kind of wayThe hobo seemed contented for he smile there where he lay
Outside the rain was falling on that lonely boxcar doorBut the little form of Hobo Bill lay still upon the floorAs the train sped through the darkness and the raging storm outsideNo one knew that Hobo Bill was taking his last ride
It was early in the morning when they raised the hobo’s headThe smile still lingered on his face but Hobo Bill was deadThere was no mother’s longing to soothe his weary soulFor he was just a railroad bum who died out in the cold

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