The Doobie Brothers Jam “Long Train Runnin” In 1974, And It’ll Blow You Away

Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, 1974

Recorded by The Doobie Brothers and written by frontman Tom Johnston, ‘Long Train Runnin” evolved from an untitled and mostly ad-libbed jam that the Doobies developed onstage years before it was actually recorded. Johnston’s rhythmic guitar playing drives the song, a neat little improvised lick that Johnston to this day refuses to take credit for, saying “It’s just a lick to me, nothing too terribly special,” and to this day ‘Long Train Runnin” is a tremendous crowd favorite and concert staple for fans of The Doobie Brothers.

This exclusive performance features The Doobie Brothers playing ‘Long Train Runnin” in 1974 on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and in true Doobie Brothers fashion, rapidly goes from your run of the mill live performance to a full blown jam session, with Tom Johnston as in his natural element as anyone could possibly be!

A Song By Any Other Name: ‘Long Train Runnin” was originally titled ‘Rosie Pig Moseley’ and later, ‘Osborn’.

Classic Doobie Brothers – what’s not to love about their killer brand of funk infused rock and roll?

+ Long Train Runnin’ lyrics +

Down around the corner, half a mile from here
See them long trains run, and you watch them disappear
Without love, where would you be now
Without lo-o-o-ove

You know I saw miss Lucy down along the tracks
She lost her home and her family and she won’t be coming back
Without love, where would you be right now
Without lo-o-o-ove

Well the Illinois Central
And the Southern Central Freight
Got to keep on pushin’ mama
You know they’re running late
Without love, where would you be now
Without lo-o-o-ve

Well the pistons keep on turning
And the wheels go round and round
The steel rails are cold and hard
For the miles that they go down

Without love, where would you be right now
Without lo-o-o-ve ooh
Where would you be now

Baby baby baby babe oh won’t you move it down
I gotta keep on moving, gotta keep on moving