Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers song)

"Waiting for a Train"
Single by Jimmie Rodgers
A-side	"Blue Yodel No. 4 (California Blues)"
Released	February 8, 1929 (1929-02-08)
Recorded	October 22, 1928 (1928-10-22)[1]
Studio	Victor studio, Atlanta
Genre	Hillbilly (Country) Country blues
Length	2:45
Label	Victor 40014
Songwriter(s)	Jimmie Rodgers
Producer(s)	Ralph Peer
Jimmie Rodgers singles chronology
""My Old Pal" / "Daddy and Home"" (1928) "Waiting for a Train" (1929) ""I'm Lonely And Blue" / "The Sailor's Plea"" (1929)
Audio sample
file help

"Waiting for a Train" is a song written and recorded by Jimmie Rodgers and released by the Victor Talking Machine Company as the flipside of "Blue Yodel No. 4" in February 1929. The song originated in the nineteenth century in England. It later appeared in several song books, with variations on the lyrics throughout the years.

Rodgers, who was familiar with the tune, reworked it with producer Ralph Peer. Complementary to Rodgers' characteristic blues guitar, the recording session featured a jazz combo the singer found while visiting a bar in Atlanta, Georgia, just before the recording session.

It became one of Rodgers' most popular songs, as the Wall Street Crash of 1929 made the composition relatable to everyday life during the Great Depression. Rodgers became the best selling act of the year. Since then, "Waiting for a Train" has been recorded by several other artists. Boxcar Willie, who also sang I'll Fly Away, recorded this song.