About the song
“Long Train Runnin'” is a timeless classic by the American rock band the Doobie Brothers, originally released in 1973. Written by Tom Johnston, a member of the band, this song became one of their most beloved hits. It first appeared on their third album, *The Captain and Me*, and quickly made an impact, reaching No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The origins of “Long Train Runnin'” are quite interesting. The song began as an impromptu jam session by the Doobie Brothers during their live performances. Initially, Johnston was not enthusiastic about the piece, thinking of it as just a simple bar tune. However, producer Teddy Templeman saw potential in it and encouraged Johnston to develop it further. The working titles “Rosie Pig Moseley” and “Osborn” were eventually replaced with the final name, and Johnston contributed both the lead vocals and the signature rhythmic guitar strumming. He also added a memorable harmonica solo to the track.
The song’s infectious rhythm and upbeat vibe earned it a warm reception from critics and audiences alike. Billboard described it as a “good-timey, good-harmony AM cooker,” while Cash Box highlighted the Doobie Brothers’ impressive harmony and musical skills. Record World predicted that the “pulsating rocker” would be a standout hit for the year.
“Long Train Runnin'” has not only stood the test of time but has also seen several revivals. It was covered by the Italian band Traks in 1982 and later by the British girl group Bananarama in 1991. In 1993, the song was remixed and charted again, reaching No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart.
Overall, the song is celebrated for its dynamic guitar riffs and engaging rhythm, often praised as one of the Doobie Brothers’ finest works.
Video
Lyrics
Down around the corner, half a mile from here
See them long trains run, and you watch them disappear
Without love, where would you be now?
Without love
You know I saw miss Lucy down along the tracks
She lost her home and her family and she won’t be coming back
Without love, where would you be right now?
Without love
Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Got to keep on pushin’ mama
You know they’re running late
Without love, where would you be now-now-now-now?
Without love
Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Got to keep on pushin’ mama
You know they’re running late
Without love, where would you be now?
Without love
Well the pistons keep on turning
And the wheels go round and round
And the steel rails are cold and hard
For the miles that they go down
Without love, where would you be right now?
Without love, ooh
Where would you be now?
Mmm, got to get you, baby, baby, won’t you move it down?
Won’t you move it down?
Baby, baby, baby, baby, won’t you move it down?
When the big train run
When the train is movin’ on, I got to keep on movin’
Keep on movin’
Won’t you keep on movin’?
Gonna keep on movin’