About the Song
Little Eva’s 1963 rendition of “Old Smokey Locomotion” isn’t your typical pop song. It takes a classic folk tune and injects it with a shot of youthful energy, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and infectious dancefloor fun.
The original “Old Smokey Locomotion” has roots that stretch back far beyond the 1960s, existing as a folk song passed down through generations. Its lyrics often told tales of trains and journeys, capturing the romance and rhythm of the railroad.
Little Eva’s version takes this foundation and transforms it. While the original folk melody remains, the arrangement explodes with a driving beat and prominent handclaps, hallmarks of the early 1960s pop sound. Her energetic vocals, brimming with youthful exuberance, breathe new life into the lyrics, transforming them from a nostalgic ode to a call to action for dancing and revelry.
The song’s brilliance lies in its ability to bridge the gap between generations. Older listeners can connect with the familiar melody and lyrics, while younger audiences are drawn in by the infectious energy and danceable rhythm. It’s a testament to the power of music to transform familiar themes into something fresh and exciting.
“Old Smokey Locomotion” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of Little Eva’s other hits, but it remains a significant entry in her short-lived career. It showcased her ability to breathe new life into classic material and to connect with audiences across generations.
The song continues to be enjoyed today, a reminder of the timeless appeal of a well-crafted folk melody infused with the infectious energy of a bygone pop era. So, the next time you hear “Old Smokey Locomotion,” remember the story behind it – a tale of a folk song reborn, ready to set dance floors ablaze with its irresistible rhythm.
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Lyrics: Old Smokey Locomotion
On top of Old SmokeyIt was quiet beforeBut since they learned the Loco-motionIt ain’t quiet no moreWell everybody you see thereHas a smile on his faceCause since they learned the Loco-motionIt’s a real swingin’ placeWell every Friday night nowThey have a record hopAnd it ain’t til Monday morningThat the dancin’ stop(s)On top of Old Smokey(It was quiet before) He was quiet before(But since they learned the Loco-motion)But since they learned the Loco-motion(It ain’t quiet no more) He ain’t quiet no moreThey threw away them fiddles(And their honkey guitars) And their honky guitars(Now they even have fan clubs) Now they even have fan clubs(At all the record stores) At all the record storesOn top of Old Smokey baby(Was smokey before) Well do you hear what I say(And let me tell you Old Smokey) And let me tell you Old Smokey(Ain’t honky no more) It ain’t a honky no moreOn top of Old Smokey(Was smokey before) Oh hear what I say(And let me tell you Old Smokey) And let me tell you Old Smokey(Ain’t honky no more) And that’s a natural factOn top of Old Smokey(Was honky before) He was a honky before(And let me tell you Old Smokey) Oh yeah baby(Ain’t honky no more) He ain’t a honky no more