Lyrics of Cho Choo Ch'Boogie — Louis Jordan

"Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" by Louis Jordan is a vibrant and lively track that enncapsulates the joy and simplicity of a bygone era of rail travel. The song's lyrics paint a picture of someone who is fed up with modern, uncomfortable transportation methods ("tired of transportation in the back of a hack") and yearns for the romance and rhythm associated with traveling by train.

The opening lines, "Headin' for the station with a pack on my back," set the scene of someone embarking on a journey, eager to embrace the addventures that train travel offers. The lyrics, "I love to hear the rhythm of the clickety-clack," convey a deep appreciation for the unique sounds and sensations of riding the rails, which contrasts sharply with the more mundane and tedious forms of transportation.

Throughout the song, there's a strong sense of nostalgia for the golden age of railroads, seen in the enthusiastic chorus, "Choo-choo, choo-choo ch'boogie." This refrain is not just about the physical act of traveling by train, but also a metaphor for a simpler, more joyful way of life.

The song also touches on themes of economic hardship and the search for work during tough times, as in the lines, "You need some compensation to get back in the black." However, these challenges are met with a resilient, optimistic spirit. The character in the song remains undeterred, finding solace and happiness in the little things, like reading a newspaper or just watching the trains go by.

In the final verses, the lyrics "Gonna settle down by the railroad track, live the life of Riley in the beaten down shack," illustrate a desire to escape the complexities of modern life and return to a more straightforward existence, symbolized by the railroad.

"Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" is a jubilant celebration of the railroad era, evoking a sense of freedom, adventure, and a longing for a less complicated life. It's a musical journey that takes the listener back to a time when travel was as much about the journey as the destination.