10 Scorching Rock Songs With The Word 'Train' In The Title

Feature Photo by Wolfgang Weiser

The train, as one of the earliest forms of mass transportation, forever changed the landscape of civilization, linking cities and communities across vast distances. It not only transformed travel but also became a powerful metaphor for life’s journey, momentum, and the unstoppable forces of change. In the world of rock music, the imagery of the train has long symbolized energy, escape, and raw power, which is evident in the scorching tracks featured in this list.

This article explores ten electrifying rock songs with the word “train” in the title, focusing on legendary artists from the ’60s and ’70s who embodied the spirit of hard-hitting, blues-based rock. While a few iconic tracks are included, we’ve made a point to dig deeper, uncovering hidden gems and B-sides that offer fresh perspectives on this timeless theme. From the grit and drive of bands like Aerosmith and Savoy Brown to the modern edge of Guns N’ Roses, these songs reflect the unbridled energy and power of rock music at its finest.

# 10 – Jump That Train – Foghat

“Jump That Train” by Foghat is a high-energy, gritty rock anthem from their 1994 album Return of the Boogie Men. Written by the band’s iconic frontman, Lonesome Dave Peverett, this song channels the spirit of classic blues rock with a modern edge. The lyrics reflect a feeling of urgency and restless escape, fitting perfectly with the song’s driving rhythm and Peverett’s raspy, commanding vocals. Foghat, known for their boogie-blues rock sound, delivers this track with all the hallmarks that made them legendary: electrifying slide guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and infectious energy.

The production of the song harks back to Foghat’s original style, blending raw blues and hard rock. Peverett’s reference to John Lee Hooker—“John Lee Hooker had it all figured out”—pays homage to the deep blues influence on Foghat’s music, reinforcing the song’s authenticity. Rod Price’s slide guitar solo captures the listener’s attention, infusing the song with a gritty, soulful energy. The line “I got tears in my eyes like fallin’ rain” echoes the classic blues sentiment of heartbreak and frustration.

Recorded during a time when the band reunited its classic lineup, the song is emblematic of their return to form after years of lineup changes. The track is a reminder that Foghat’s boogie-rock spirit is timeless, blending bluesy narratives with rock swagger. It’s a fitting entry for any list of scorching rock songs that feature the word “train” in the title, as the band rides the blues train with relentless power.

# 9 – Slow Train – Deep Purple

Fireball. 25th Anniversary Edition - Deep Purple

“Slow Train” by Deep Purple is a gritty, high-energy track recorded during their 1971 album Fireball sessions. Though it ultimately did not make the album’s final cut, it stands as a powerful outtake that showcases the band’s signature blend of hard rock and blues. Recorded between September 1970 and June 1971, “Slow Train” features the classic Mark II lineup: Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums. The song was produced by Deep Purple alongside engineer Martin Birch, who worked with them on several projects during this era.

Musically, “Slow Train” carries a relentless groove driven by Paice’s thundering drums and Blackmore’s biting guitar riffs. Gillan’s vocals soar over the heavy instrumentation, delivering a blues-infused performance that captures the essence of the band’s raw sound during the early ’70s. Lyrically, the song fits the train motif often associated with themes of escape, movement, and personal reflection. The track embodies the kind of sonic energy that made Deep Purple pioneers of hard rock, blending blues sensibilities with the electrified aggression of rock music.

While “Slow Train” was not included in Fireball, the album itself became the band’s first to reach No. 1 on the UK charts, cementing Deep Purple’s dominance in the rock world. The track, despite being an outtake, has since gained recognition among fans, particularly for its infectious groove and heavy, blues-laden sound. It stands in contrast to some of the more refined songs on Fireball but shares the same fiery spirit. Compared to other songs in this list, “Slow Train” maintains a blues-rock vibe akin to Foghat’s “Jump That Train,” both tracks capturing the relentless, driving force of a train as a metaphor for life’s struggles and journeys.

This song showcases the band’s raw energy and innovative blend of blues and rock, a characteristic that helped define their success during this period. Though “Slow Train” didn’t make it to the original album, it remains a hidden gem that fans of Deep Purple’s harder-edged sound continue to appreciate.

# 8 – Night Train – Guns N’ Roses

“Night Train” by Guns N’ Roses is a powerhouse track from the band’s groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987). Written by Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler, the song embodies the rebellious, hedonistic spirit that defined the band’s early years. Its title, “Night Train,” refers to a cheap but potent brand of wine (Night Train Express) that the band members used to drink while scraping by on the Los Angeles rock scene. The song quickly became an anthem of their debauchery, with its hard-hitting riffs, aggressive lyrics, and wild energy.

Recorded between 1986 and early 1987, the song features the classic lineup of Guns N’ Roses: Axl Rose on vocals, Slash on lead guitar, Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Steven Adler on drums. Produced by Mike Clink, Appetite for Destruction was created during a time of raw creative intensity for the band. “Night Train” showcases all the elements that made Guns N’ Roses a standout in the hard rock scene: Slash’s blistering guitar solos, Rose’s piercing vocals, and a relentless rhythm section that drives the track forward like the train referenced in the lyrics.

The lyrics of “Night Train” reflect a reckless celebration of excess, with the narrator embracing a life of indulgence, fueled by the titular drink. Lines like “I’m on the night train / Fill my cup, I’m on the night train / Ready to crash and burn” capture the song’s essence—a wild ride fueled by danger and self-destruction. Musically, the song is a perfect blend of bluesy rock ‘n’ roll and the heavier edge of hard rock, with a galloping tempo that mirrors the relentless energy of a train speeding down the tracks.

Compared to other songs on this list, “Night Train” shares a thematic connection with tracks like Deep Purple’s “Slow Train,” both using the metaphor of a train as a symbol of life’s fast pace and the risks of living on the edge. However, Guns N’ Roses’ take is more rooted in the reckless abandon of youth, fitting the band’s image and the chaos surrounding their rise to fame. It’s a quintessential Guns N’ Roses track that captures the raw energy and attitude of one of rock’s most iconic bands.

# 7 – Gypsy Train – Toto

“Gypsy Train” by Toto is one of the standout tracks from their 1992 album Kingdom of Desire. This hard-driving, blues-infused rock song reflects the transitional period in the band’s career, as it was the first album where guitarist Steve Lukather took over all lead vocal duties. Tragically, Kingdom of Desire also became the last album to feature legendary drummer Jeff Porcaro, who passed away unexpectedly before the tour promoting the album. The song embodies a sense of urgency, power, and groove, capturing the essence of Toto’s musical evolution in the early ’90s.

Recorded at the beginning of 1992, Kingdom of Desire was produced by the band itself, with mixing handled by renowned engineer Bob Clearmountain, who had worked with artists like Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones. The album marked a heavier, more guitar-driven approach for Toto, and “Gypsy Train” is a prime example of this shift. The band—consisting of Lukather on guitar and vocals, Jeff Porcaro on drums, Mike Porcaro on bass, and David Paich on keyboards—poured their heart into this track. With Lukather’s fiery guitar licks and Jeff Porcaro’s flawless groove, “Gypsy Train” rolls with a relentless energy that symbolizes the freedom and wild spirit associated with the song’s titular metaphor.

The lyrics of “Gypsy Train” invite listeners on an uninhibited ride through life’s chaos, while also celebrating camaraderie and shared experiences, as echoed in lines like, “Come on let’s ride, ride that gypsy train / All aboard, now don’t you be afraid.” The rhythm and urgency of the song mirror the unpredictability of a journey without a set destination—it’s raw, it’s exciting, and it embodies the spirit of living in the moment. Jeff Porcaro’s drumming, especially poignant given his untimely death, shines brightly here, adding a percussive punch that propels the track forward.

Compared to other songs in this list, “Gypsy Train” bears a thematic resemblance to Foghat’s “Jump That Train,” as both tracks embrace the metaphor of a train as a symbol for life’s unpredictable journey. However, Toto’s offering leans more into an expansive, bluesy sound with its signature blend of technical precision and emotional intensity, whereas Foghat’s track is rooted more in straightforward boogie rock. The influence of Jeff Porcaro’s drumming cannot be overstated on this track, making “Gypsy Train” a fitting tribute to one of rock’s finest drummers, and a crucial moment in Toto’s long and diverse discography.

# 6 – Big Train – Booker T. & the M.G.’s

“Big Train” is an instrumental track from Soul Dressing, the second studio album by Booker T. & the M.G.’s, released in 1965. Known for their tight and soulful instrumental compositions, Booker T. & the M.G.’s were central to the sound of Southern soul, and “Big Train” exemplifies their ability to fuse blues, R&B, and rock into a powerful and groove-driven soundscape. This track was recorded at the legendary Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, with the band’s classic lineup: Booker T. Jones on the Hammond organ and piano, Steve Cropper on guitar, Lewie Steinberg on bass guitar (in one of his last recordings before Donald “Duck” Dunn joined the band), and Al Jackson Jr. on drums. The additional brass section includes Wayne Jackson on trumpet, Floyd Newman on baritone saxophone, and Charles “Packy” Axton on tenor saxophone, adding layers of depth to the track’s upbeat and driving rhythm.

“Big Train” delivers a lively, locomotive-like energy that’s propelled by the dynamic interplay between Jones’s organ melodies and Cropper’s sharp, rhythmic guitar work. The rhythm section, anchored by Steinberg’s bass and Jackson’s precise drumming, maintains a steady, infectious groove throughout the track, making it feel like a musical journey on a fast-moving train. The song’s instrumental nature invites listeners to lose themselves in the groove without the distraction of lyrics, letting the sheer power of the band’s musicianship tell the story. The brass section’s contributions elevate the track, giving it a punchy, celebratory feel that perfectly captures the essence of Southern soul.

“Soul Dressing” is regarded as an essential album in the history of instrumental rock and soul, and “Big Train” is one of its hidden gems, showcasing the virtuosic talent of Booker T. & the M.G.’s while cementing their legacy as one of the most influential instrumental bands of their era. The song’s energy and tight groove have made it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with fans of classic rock and soul alike.

# 5 – Last of the Steam Powered Trains – The Kinks

“Last of the Steam Powered Trains” is a poignant track from The Kinks’ 1968 album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. Written and sung by Ray Davies, the song draws on the nostalgic themes that are central to the album. Recorded in October 1968, it was one of the final songs to be completed for the album, capturing both a bluesy feel and rock undertones. With the United Kingdom officially retiring steam trains from passenger service just two months earlier, the track feels like a lament for a bygone era. Ray Davies masterfully captures this sentiment in both the lyrics and the music, which is rooted in American blues traditions. The guitar riff in the song, heavily influenced by Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack Lightning,” calls back to the era of rhythm and blues that many British rock bands, including The Kinks, once embraced.

The lyrics of “Last of the Steam Powered Trains” take the perspective of a steam train now relegated to a museum, outliving its purpose. The train serves as a metaphor for a generation or way of life that no longer fits in with the modern world. Davies sings about the “blood and sweat brigade” and the feeling of living in a museum, alluding to how he views himself and his contemporaries as relics of an older, grittier time. While the bluesy, roots-rock sound evokes the rawness of earlier R&B tracks, the lyrics tap into themes of preservation versus progress—fitting the album’s broader concept. The song also reflects Davies’ frustrations with contemporary British R&B bands, whom he saw as attempting to recreate American blues without understanding its raw authenticity.

Musically, “Last of the Steam Powered Trains” pays homage to its blues influences while maintaining the signature Kinks sound. The steady rhythm, powered by Mick Avory’s drumming, is complemented by Dave Davies’ distinctive guitar work, echoing Howlin’ Wolf’s influence. The track has often been interpreted as Ray Davies’ critique of the British music scene’s obsession with replicating American blues, suggesting that many bands, despite their reverence for the genre, lacked a genuine connection to it. Despite this critique, The Kinks’ own live performances of the song in 1969 and 1970 were filled with energetic conviction, blending authenticity with the rock flair that made the band one of Britain’s most beloved acts of the era.

“Last of the Steam Powered Trains” stands as a reflection on fading times, fitting alongside other rock songs with “train” imagery that symbolize journeys, transitions, and reflections on the past. Like Foghat’s “Jump That Train,” it carries the weight of movement and nostalgia, but with a particularly English twist.

# 4 – Rock N Roll Train – AC/DC

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” by AC/DC is the hard-hitting opening track from their 2008 album Black Ice. Written by the band’s iconic duo, brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, this song showcases AC/DC’s signature rock style—raucous guitar riffs, relentless rhythms, and powerful vocals. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, the song was recorded in Vancouver, Canada, and heralded the band’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Its high-energy performance is classic AC/DC, with frontman Brian Johnson delivering raw, electric vocals, while Angus Young’s guitar riffs charge through the song like a runaway locomotive.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” became a massive hit, especially in the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for three weeks. It marked AC/DC’s continued dominance in rock music decades into their career, with its success extending beyond the charts—being prominently used in sports broadcasts, especially by ESPN. The song exemplifies AC/DC’s ability to stay relevant and consistent in their sound, even as they evolve over the years. Its infectious chorus and thunderous rhythm made it a natural addition to the band’s live setlists, often performed alongside other hits like “Thunderstruck” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”.

Lyrically, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” brings the rebellious spirit that has always defined AC/DC. The song describes the thrill of a runaway train, paralleling the untamable, unstoppable force of rock and roll itself. The lyrics, paired with its fast-paced momentum, evoke imagery of freedom, recklessness, and raw energy—elements that have always been at the core of AC/DC’s music. Comparisons can be drawn to other songs on this list, like Deep Purple’s “Slow Train,” where the metaphor of a train is used to depict unstoppable power, or Guns N’ Roses’ “Night Train,” another adrenaline-fueled anthem built around the concept of motion and intensity.

As the lead single from Black Ice, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” helped cement the album’s commercial success, ensuring that AC/DC’s return was as explosive as ever. Even after decades in the industry, the band proved they could still deliver scorching rock tracks that capture the essence of their sound, making this song a modern classic in their extensive catalog.

# 3 – Hellbound Train – Savoy Brown

“Hellbound Train” by Savoy Brown is the haunting and blues-driven title track from their 1972 album Hellbound Train. Known for its dark themes and slow-building intensity, the song paints a vivid picture of a man resigning to his fate on a literal and metaphorical train to hell. With Kim Simmonds’ piercing guitar work and Dave Walker’s mournful, soulful vocals, the song creates an atmosphere of foreboding and inevitability. Recorded at Trident Studios in London, the track captures the quintessential blues-rock vibe that Savoy Brown was known for in the early ’70s, driven by their exploration of darker, existential themes. Produced by Neil Slaven, the album marked a key moment for the band as they continued to cement their influence in the blues rock scene.

Musically, “Hellbound Train” is a slow-burning track that gradually builds in intensity, much like a train picking up speed as it heads towards an inescapable destination. Simmonds’ guitar and harmonica work are front and center, creating a heavy, almost psychedelic blues sound. Paul Raymond’s work on both guitar and keyboards complements the track with atmospheric layers, adding to its otherworldly feel. The rhythm section of Andy Silvester on bass and Dave Bidwell on drums anchors the song, giving it a steady, driving force that mirrors the lyrical theme of a train hurtling toward its doom. Lyrically, Walker’s delivery of lines like “Hellbound train, I’m on its track, too late now to turn my back” adds to the sense of surrender to fate, and his raspy voice infuses the song with raw emotion and authenticity.

“Hellbound Train” fits seamlessly into the themes of this list, as it shares a common motif with other train-centered songs—trains as metaphors for life’s unstoppable journey, often heading toward darker destinations. This parallels the themes explored in songs like AC/DC’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,” where the relentless force of a train is tied to the unyielding energy of rock music. Additionally, its brooding, blues-rock feel draws comparisons to tracks like “Slow Train” by Deep Purple, both of which capture the slow, churning motion of a train barreling through the night. “Hellbound Train” stands out for its vivid storytelling and heavy blues elements, making it one of the more somber and intense entries in the article’s list of “Scorching Rock Songs With The Word ‘Train’ In The Title.”

# 2 – Take A Fast Train – Robin Trower

Twice Removed From Yesterday: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

“Take a Fast Train” by Robin Trower was originally released as the B-side to his debut single “Man of the World” and later resurfaced on the 50th anniversary edition of his landmark album Twice Removed from Yesterday. Although it wasn’t part of the original tracklist for that album, “Take a Fast Train” offers a glimpse into the raw power and bluesy rock style that Trower was cultivating in the early 1970s. The song showcases Trower’s signature guitar work, which blends elements of blues, psychedelic rock, and hard rock—a combination that would define his solo career after leaving Procol Harum.

Recorded in the early ’70s, Twice Removed from Yesterday was produced by Matthew Fisher, a former bandmate from Procol Harum, who helped Trower establish a distinctive sound. While the exact recording details of “Take a Fast Train” are tied to the album’s production sessions, the track fits into the broader sonic landscape of Trower’s early work, heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix’s guitar style. The song’s driving rhythm and blistering guitar riffs reflect the urgency and motion inherent in its title, as it evokes imagery of a fast train speeding through vast, open landscapes. James Dewar, Trower’s longtime collaborator, delivers soulful vocals that capture the restlessness and yearning conveyed by the lyrics, while Reg Isidore’s drumming adds a punchy, rock-solid foundation.

“Take a Fast Train” aligns well with other songs on this list that use trains as metaphors for emotional journeys or unstoppable forces. Like AC/DC’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train,” Trower’s track is built around high-octane guitar work and energy, mirroring the momentum of a train in full throttle. While “Take a Fast Train” didn’t chart or receive the same mainstream attention as other Trower tracks, it remains a hidden gem, particularly for fans who admire his bluesy, guitar-driven sound. It’s a testament to Trower’s evolving artistry during a time when rock music was leaning heavily into guitar virtuosity, offering a more introspective and musically rich alternative to the heavier, riff-based rock of the time.

# 1 – Train Kept A Rollin’ – Aerosmith

“Train Kept A-Rollin'” is one of Aerosmith’s most electrifying tracks and a prime example of the band’s early hard rock sound. Released on their 1974 album Get Your Wings, this cover of the blues standard has become one of the band’s most enduring live staples. Aerosmith’s rendition of the song, originally recorded by Tiny Bradshaw in 1951 and made famous by the Yardbirds, takes the classic blues riff and infuses it with their signature heavy rock edge, complete with Steven Tyler’s raspy vocals and Joe Perry’s fiery guitar work.

The recording of Get Your Wings took place at Record Plant Studios in New York, with legendary producer Jack Douglas at the helm. This album marked a turning point for the band, showcasing their growth as musicians and laying the foundation for the massive success that was just around the corner. “Train Kept A-Rollin'” was one of the standout tracks, with its relentless, chugging rhythm that mirrored the momentum of a freight train barreling down the tracks. The dual guitar attack of Perry and Brad Whitford drives the song, with a solo section that remains one of the highlights of their live performances.

Aerosmith’s version of “Train Kept A-Rollin'” aligns with other train-themed songs that capture the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll as a fast-moving, unstoppable force. The song fits well in this list alongside tracks like AC/DC’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” and Robin Trower’s “Take a Fast Train.” The theme of the train as a symbol of forward momentum and freedom is prevalent, but Aerosmith adds a raw, rebellious edge to the concept, which helped solidify their place in the pantheon of classic rock. With its blend of blues roots and hard rock energy, “Train Kept A-Rollin'” remains a quintessential Aerosmith track and a perfect addition to any list of scorching rock songs with the word “train” in the title.