John Denver's song "On The Atchison, Topeka and The Santa Fe" tells the story of a train journey on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The lyrics describe the sights and sounds of the train, as well as the people boarding the train and their destinations. The song begins with the sound of a whistle signaling the arrival of Engine #49, which is unique to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The narrator sees the smoke rising from the train and believes that it knows it's going to meet a friend. The people living in the area use the train as a way to set their daily schedules and rely on it for transportation. The train picks up a large number of passengers who are heading to Brown's Hotel, as they have been traveling for a long time, coming all the way from Philadelphia. Once everyone is aboard, the train begins its journey. The engineer is urged to start the engine, and the train departs from its current location, taking the passengers far away. The fireman on the train shovels coal into the fire to keep it going. The narrator suggests sticking your head out of the train to see the towns and roads rushing past. The song mentions farewell to Laramie and the Rocky Mountains, as the train continues on its way to California. Overall, the song highlights the excitement and adventure of traveling by train, showcasing the beauty of the landscapes and the importance of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad as a means of transportation.
