Related sessions
This song has been recorded during the following studio sessions
Get Back sessions - January 24, 1969 - Day 13
Jan 24, 1969
January 1991
Spread the love! If you like what you are seeing, share it on social networks and let others know about The Paul McCartney Project.
Song facts
From Wikipedia:
“Rock Island Line” is an American folk song. Ostensibly about the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, it appeared as a folk song as early as 1929. The first recorded performance of “Rock Island Line” was by inmates of the Arkansas Cummins State Farm prison in 1934.
The beginning of the most popular version of the song tells the story of a train operator who smuggles pig iron through a toll gate by claiming all he had on board was livestock, but this episode was a later addition not present in the traditional, 1929 version. The song’s chorus includes:
The Rock Island Line is a mighty good road
The Rock Island Line is the road to ride
The Rock Island Line is a mighty good road
If you want to ride you gotta ride it like you find it
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island LineMany artists subsequently recorded it, often changing the verses and adjusting the lyrics.
Paul McCartney rehearsed this song in anticipation of his 1991 “Unplugged” concert. This rehearsal was officially broadcast as part of the Oobu Joobu radio show.
Last updated on June 21, 2019
Bootlegs
Unplugged (The Official Bootleg) - Ultimate Archive Collection
Unofficial live • Released in 2016
Unofficial live
Unofficial live
Unofficial album
2:29 • Rehearsal • Diggin' My Potatoes-Hey Liley, Liley Ho-
Live performances
Paul McCartney has never played this song in concert.
Contribute!
Have you spotted an error on the page? Do you want to suggest new content? Or do you simply want to leave a comment ? Please use the form below!