Freight Train

by Elizabeth Cotten
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Other arrangements of Freight Train

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Sheet MusicBar NotationSimple SheetLead SheetKaraoke · LyricsEasy NotesFalling Notes
Lyrics

Freight train, freight train (A)run y so fast,

freight train, freight train (D)run so fast.

(F#7)Please don’t tell what my (G)train

I’m on, and they won’t (D)know what I’ve (G)route (A7)I’ve (D)gone.

When I’m dead and (A)in y my grave,

no more good times (D)here I’ll crave.

(F#7)Place the stones at old (G)head

and feet, and tell them (D)all that I’ve (G)gone (A7)to (D)sleep.

(D)by.

Freight Train — Easy Piano Notes for Beginners

67 people have learned this song

Learn "Freight Train" on piano with easy notes — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded note names show exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of D, 144 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Try other practice modes:

Falling NotesLead SheetBar SheetSimple SheetKaraoke

About “Freight Train”

Can I play "Freight Train" without reading sheet music?
Yes — Easy Notes mode prints the letter name (C, D, E…) directly on each note in big color-coded labels, so you can match colors to your keyboard without any traditional notation. The whole arrangement of "Freight Train" is playable in minutes, even for first-time players.
What key is "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten played in?
Freight Train is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Freight Train"?
The arrangement plays at 144 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Freight Train" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Freight Train"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Freight Train"?
"Freight Train" was originally performed by Elizabeth Cotten. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
Can a complete beginner play "Freight Train"?
Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "Freight Train" is perfect for first-time players.
Do I need to read music to play "Freight Train"?
No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Freight Train" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.