One of your favorite songs
 

I was going to post in the "My best songs - what are yours? " thread, but realized it was closed so I decided to start another thread like it.

What is one of your favorite songs? Any type, any genre. It must be a vocal though.

I'll have mine in a second.

City of New Orleans
 

This song was written/recorded by Steve Goodman in 1971 and describes a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad's “City of New Orleans” (a real train). Arlo Guthrie recorded it in 1972 and it was a hit for him appearing on the charts as high as #4. Willie Nelson recorded it in 1984 as the first song on his album of that year entitled “The City of New Orleans.” This was in honor of Goodman who died that year from leukemia at the age of 36.

Other artists have recorded it but my favorite has always been Goodman’s. Although his voice might be a little more raspy, the words are so beautiful with wonderful imagery. (“magic carpet made of steel”; “southbound odyssey,” “graveyards of the rusted automobiles”).

This video is only five and a half minutes long and includes him describing his meeting with Guthrie and other trivia about the song, at the beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ztWNJYFrU

I have way too many to list but “Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson is a favorite.

Blue Sky - Almond Brothers or Behind Blue Eyes - The Who

Last Resort Eagles Hotel California album

Tooooooo many. I don't think I could list the top 100 without making changes as another popped into my head. So, just for fun (and possible shock value), I'll offer up Harry Nilsson's "You're Breaking My Heart".

For Christmas... An Old Christmas Card Forester Sisters (actually like the whole CD)

Everyday... so many great artists. Chris Stapleton is terrific and he doesn't sing a bad song in my mind. Favs are Joy of My Life, Starting Over and Maggie's Song. George Strait and Alan Jackson are runner ups.

Yeah, I lean toward country...

I’m a rock music guy, but at a very early age I latched on to Moon River by Andy Williams. Love it.

Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers

Merle and George

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PY2yW9Biyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dnktss4Vow

Lost In Love - Air Supply
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKTQVBnXrZs
Amazing Grace - Celtic Thunder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qni5bIN5qmU

Steve Goodman is not as famous as he should be. Good choice.

I could write a list of songs I love for the rest of the day, but I'll name one here that I've been attached to (again) lately. I'll go with Angel From Montgomery. Written by John Prine, and performed magically by Bonnie Rait. I've also stumbled on a version by Tedeschi Trucks Band that is also great.

I like "Lessons in Love", and "Something About You", both by Level 42. Sometimes you can see the poetry in the lyrics and I think these songs are a good example.

I have to say more than one, and there are many more than this: I'll Take You There by The Staple Singers, Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles, Oh Happy Day by The Ed Hawkin Singers, Do You Love Me by The Contours.