Arlo wrote it, named for the train that served the line from New Orleans to Chicago and back. The original train has long since been retired, but Amtrak still serves the line, and had named the trains, for historical purposes, after the original "City of New Orleans".
The song still remains one of this country's greatest songs about American life, and a gentle reminder that there's still something out there. :) Many have compared it to his father's best works of Americana, something Arlo has been proud of.
Been one of my favourites since I was very young, when it was a chart-topping hit.
d.m.f.
Arlo wrote it, named for the train that served the line from New Orleans to Chicago and back. The or