title: Here Comes the Freedom Train
text: # Here Comes the Freedom Train
  
  "Here Comes the Freedom Train" is a 1976 song written by Stephen H. Lemberg, best known for being performed by American country music artist Merle Haggard and The Strangers. It was released in May 1976 as the first single from the album My Love Affair with Trains. "Here Comes the Freedom Train" peaked at number ten on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It reached number-one on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks in July 1976.
  
  It was originally written for the country music duo of Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, who recorded it with special guest Chet Atkins in RCA Studios for release in 1973 by the American Freedom Train Foundation. The 45 single of the recording was sold as a fund-raising item for the bicentennial trip Freedom Train took across the United States.
  
  ## Content
  
  The song is historical narrative of the United States, which was about to celebrate its Bicentennial.
  
  ## Personnel
  
  * Merle Haggard– vocals, guitar
  
  The Strangers:
  
  * Roy Nichols – lead guitar
  * Norman Hamlet – steel guitar, dobro
  * Tiny Moore – mandolin
  * Eldon Shamblin– guitar
  * Ronnie Reno – guitar
  * Mark Yeary – piano
  * James Tittle – bass
  * Biff Adam – drums
  * Don Markham – saxophone
  
  ## Chart performance
  
  | Chart (1976) | Peak position |
  | - | - |
  | US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) | 10 |
  | Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 |
  