“Long Black Train” by Josh Turner — Musical Journey and Deep Meaning
The song Long Black Train stands as the signature piece of American country singer Josh Turner. Written and recorded by Turner himself, the song was released in May 2003 as the second single and the title track of his debut album Long Black Train.
Origin & Inspiration
Turner has shared that the inspiration came from a vivid vision: he imagined a long, sleek black train running on tracks in a remote area, with people standing along the sides, hesitant whether to board it. He asked himself: what does this train represent? Why are people drawn to it? He came to interpret the train as a metaphor for temptation—the lure of easy choices, the dangerous roads we might choose to ride.
That night Turner composed three verses and the chorus, then finished the final verse the next morning. He admitted he was initially worried that the song might be too old-fashioned or obscure for contemporary country radio, or that listeners might not grasp the metaphor.
However, after performing it in a class at his university (Belmont), a classmate who was interning at a publishing company heard it and helped bring it to the attention of industry professionals, eventually leading to Turner’s signing with MCA Records.
Lyrics & Message
Musically, Long Black Train is a mid-tempo song with acoustic guitar, fiddle, and supporting instruments (like pedabro), arranged to evoke the chugging motion of a locomotive. The lyrics depict a black train passing by and warn of the consequences of boarding — in essence, choosing a wrong path. The song encourages the listener to resist temptation, to pause, and to choose wisely in life.
Many fans have testified how the song touched them personally: someone said it helped her abandon suicidal thoughts; others saw in it reflections of relatives struggling with addiction or life choices. Turner once shared that a woman claimed she was about to overdose but, hearing Long Black Train, emptied her pills and walked away changed.
Success & Influence
On the commercial side, Long Black Train spent over 30 weeks on the Billboard country charts and peaked at #13 in early 2004. In 2018, it was certified double Platinum by the RIAA.
Turner’s debut album Long Black Train, released in October 2003, also achieved success — it reached #29 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Top Country Albums. That project established him as a rising artist in country music.
The music video, directed by Steven Goldmann, was filmed at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. In the video, individuals engaged in vices (drunkenness, gambling, drug abuse, prostitution) are depicted standing on railroad tracks, and as the train passes, those who succumb disappear — a visual metaphor for yielding to temptation — while others remain, signifying resistance or repentance.
Before his formal record deal, Turner performed Long Black Train at the Grand Ole Opry on December 21, 2001, and mid-song, the audience gave him a standing ovation; he then sang it again as an encore.
Legacy & Continuing Impact
Long Black Train is more than just a hit — it is a defining piece in Turner’s career, merging traditional country stylings with spiritual depth. In later work, Turner has re-recorded or reinterpreted the song in gospel settings. For instance, in his 2018 gospel album I Serve a Savior, he included a version of Long Black Train, reinforcing the link between his musical journey and his faith.
For listeners, Long Black Train serves as a reminder: each person has their own “black train” — temptations, trials, crossroads — and recognizing it is only the first step. The meaningful part is in choosing to step back, resist, or find an alternative path when needed.
And undeniably, Long Black Train placed Josh Turner on the map — it is the song most associated with him, and to this day remains a classic in country music with a spiritual message.