Introduction to Elvis Presley’s “Mystery Train”
Elvis Presley’s “Mystery Train” is one of the most iconic and influential rock and roll songs of all time. It was originally written and recorded by blues musician Junior Parker in 1953, but it was Presley’s cover version in 1955 that catapulted the song to fame.
Presley’s version of “Mystery Train” is a perfect example of early rock and roll, with its driving beat, catchy melody, and Presley’s signature vocals. The song is about a man who is waiting for his baby to come home on a mysterious train. He is excited and hopeful, but also a little bit apprehensive, not knowing what the future holds.
The song was a huge hit for Presley, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. It also helped to establish Presley as a major new star in the music world.
“Mystery Train” has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including the 1989 Jim Jarmusch film of the same name.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. It is a song that is both joyful and melancholic, full of hope and anticipation. It is a song that captures the essence of early rock and roll, and it continues to inspire and entertain listeners to this day.
The song “Mystery Train” has its roots in an old folk song called “Worried Man Blues.” The earliest known version of this song was recorded by the Carter Family in 1930. The song was later covered by Woody Guthrie in 1944 and by Lonnie Donegan in the 1950s.
In 1953, Junior Parker was a young blues singer who had recently signed with Sun Records. Parker was a big fan of the Carter Family’s version of “Worried Man Blues,” and he decided to write his own version of the song. Parker’s version, titled “Mystery Train,” was released as a single in 1953 and became a top five hit on the Billboard R&B chart.
In 1955, Elvis Presley was a young up-and-coming singer who was also signed with Sun Records. Presley had recorded a few singles for Sun, but none of them had been particularly successful. However, when Presley heard “Mystery Train,” he knew that he had to record it.
Presley recorded his version of “Mystery Train” on July 11, 1955. The song was released as the B-side of Presley’s single “I Forgot to Remember to Forget.” However, it was “Mystery Train” that became the hit song. The song reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
Presley’s version of “Mystery Train” is considered to be one of the most influential rock and roll songs of all time. It helped to popularize the rockabilly genre and helped to make Presley a superstar. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
Elvis Presley’s version of “Mystery Train” had a profound impact on the development of rock and roll music. The song’s driving beat, catchy melody, and Presley’s signature vocals helped to define the sound of early rock and roll.
The song also helped to popularize the rockabilly genre, which was a fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. Rockabilly was one of the most popular genres of music in the mid-1950s, and “Mystery Train” was one of its signature songs.
Presley’s version of “Mystery Train” also helped to make him a superstar. The song was a huge hit, and it helped to introduce Presley to a wider audience. Presley’s success with “Mystery Train” helped to pave the way for other rock and roll artists, such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
Elvis Presley’s “Mystery Train” is one of the most iconic and influential rock and roll songs of all time. It is a song that is both joyful and melancholic, full of hope and anticipation. It is a song that captures the essence of early rock and roll, and it continues to inspire and entertain listeners to this day.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Train I ride, sixteen coaches long
Well that long black train got my baby and goneTrain train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend
Train train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend
Well it took my baby, but it never will again
No, not againTrain train, comin’ down, down the line
Train train, comin’ down, down the line
Well it’s bringin’ my baby, ’cause she’s mine all, all mine
She’s mine, all, all mineTrain train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend
Train train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend
Well it took my baby, but it never will again
Never will again
(Ooh, woah)