Pam Anders
Bad Ass Bass Gal
Cover Recorded: May 2021
Train Train
Original Artist: Blackfoot
Originally Released: 1979
Genre: Southern Rock
Composer (s): “Shorty” Medlocke
Lyricist: “Shorty” Medlocke
Song Facts:
From Songfacts
This song was written by bluegrass and Delta blues musician “Shorty” Medlocke – the grandfather of this band’s frontman Rickey Medlocke. The song is best remembered for its harmonica intro, performed by Shorty, which mimics the sound of a steam locomotive blowing its whistle, pulling out of the station and accelerating to full speed.
The song is about a man whose lover is leaving town on a “Midnight train to Memphis,” and who decides to follow her there. He may even be intent on taking the same train, but the lyrics aren’t clear about this.
Before founding Blackfoot, Rickey Medlocke was also an early member of Lynyrd Skynyrd (a band he would rejoin later in his career). Blackfoot also included drummer/singer Jakson “Thunderfoot” Spires, bassist/singer Greg T. Walker, and lead guitarist Charlie Hargrett. They had a number of hit albums, but proved to be more popular in Europe than in the United States. Blackfoot Strikes was their first platinum album, and produced their only two US Top 40 hits: “Highway Song” (which hit #26 US in September 1979) and “Train, Train” (#38 in December).
The group disbanded in the early 1980s but have reunited a few times since then, the second time including all the original members except Medlocke, who had rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd. Spires died in 2005 of an aneurysm, leaving Walker and Hargrett as the only remaining original members.
From Songfacts
This song was written by bluegrass and Delta blues musician “Shorty” Medlocke – the grandfather of this band’s frontman Rickey Medlocke. The song is best remembered for its harmonica intro, performed by Shorty, which mimics the sound of a steam locomotive blowing its whistle, pulling out of the station and accelerating to full speed.
The song is about a man whose lover is leaving town on a “Midnight train to Memphis,” and who decides to follow her there. He may even be intent on taking the same train, but the lyrics aren’t clear about this.
Before founding Blackfoot, Rickey Medlocke was also an early member of Lynyrd Skynyrd (a band he would rejoin later in his career). Blackfoot also included drummer/singer Jakson “Thunderfoot” Spires, bassist/singer Greg T. Walker, and lead guitarist Charlie Hargrett. They had a number of hit albums, but proved to be more popular in Europe than in the United States. Blackfoot Strikes was their first platinum album, and produced their only two US Top 40 hits: “Highway Song” (which hit #26 US in September 1979) and “Train, Train” (#38 in December).
The group disbanded in the early 1980s but have reunited a few times since then, the second time including all the original members except Medlocke, who had rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd. Spires died in 2005 of an aneurysm, leaving Walker and Hargrett as the only remaining original members.
20 Responses
Amazing as always. I have heard that intro before, but never knew the origin. I have probably heard the song before, but it is much more memorable now watching your wonderful performance and great video editing. Glad that train didn’t get you. 🙂
LOL thank you Toby!
Great cover Pam,
I have never heard the song before, very cool.
Loved the production, the bass IMO is a little light on in the mix but you looked very relaxed
Keep em comin
Cheers Brian
Thanks Brian, I remixed it with the bass a bit louder. I don’t want to go too loud and ruin the song.
No comment about the Beginner to Badass sign in the train station toward the end? LOL
Great cover and video Pam! It was interesting watching you play with upstrokes on the pick. Great as always!
Jerry
Thank you Jerry!
Pam,
I like the re-mix better. I think we needed to hear a little more bass there. I think you “serve the tune” well.
Jerry
Thank you 🙂
Hi Pam,
You shine on the bass in the remix,
I did notice all your little inclusions in the video production, but I can’t have all the fun, Bill was right onto it
Great song , great bass line,
Cheers Brian
Thank you 🙂
Really like this one. You are the poster child for bass. The video is so well done and you looked like you belonged there!
Thank you so much, Mary 🙂
Oh my Pam, you are so awesome. I can’t wait for y’all to start jamming at the post.
Thank you Debbie! 🙂
You rock Pam!! \../
One of my all-time favorite songs and has been since I first heard in the 70’s (when I was a “yute” – totally unrelated movie reference but let’s see who catches it?).
Thanks JD, I’m afraid I fail at the movie reference…..
Great song and great video production.
Thank you!
Pam
Great Job!
Ive known Ricky on and off now for YEARS.
I got to know him when he was playing with Blackfoot back in Hanover NJ then of course with Skynyrd,
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s one of my favorite covers.
Pam