“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
If there’s one performance that captures the spirit of country music’s golden era, it’s Boxcar Willie’s rendition of “Mule Train” at Wembley in 1982. This wasn’t just another song; it was a full-blown experience. Boxcar Willie, with his trademark hobo persona, managed to blend authenticity with pure entertainment, creating a moment that still echoes in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to witness it live.
“Mule Train” is a song that, on the surface, is simple and straightforward. It’s about the relentless journey of a mule driver, pushing through rough terrain, come what may. But in Willie’s hands, it becomes more than that—it transforms into a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the kind of spirit that keeps you going even when the odds are stacked against you. His voice, full of grit and gravel, perfectly matched the rugged imagery of the song, making you feel every bump and jolt of that imaginary wagon.
What’s special about this performance is how Willie connects with his audience. He doesn’t just sing to them; he brings them along for the ride. You can almost feel the dust in the air and the pull of the mules as he belts out those famous lyrics. There’s a sense of camaraderie, as if he’s reminding everyone that no matter how tough the road, you’re never alone as long as you keep moving forward.
Watching Boxcar Willie perform “Mule Train” is like stepping into a time machine. It takes you back to an era where music was raw, real, and full of life. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling through song and the way a simple tune can transport you to another place and time.
Video
Lyrics
Mule train!! (Hyah, hyah)
Mule train!!
Clippety cloppin’ over hill and plain
Seems as how they never stop, clippety clop, clippety clop
Clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety cloppin’ along
There’s a plug o’chaw tobacky for a rancher in Corona
A ghee-tar for a cowboy ‘way out in Arizona
A dress of calico for a pretty Navajo
Get along, mule! , get along
Mule train!! (Hyah, hyah)
Mule train!!
Clippety cloppin’ o’er the mountain chain
Soon they’re gonna reach the top, clippety clop, clippety clop
Clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety cloppin’ along
There’s some cotton thread and needles for the folks in way-out-yonder
A shovel for a miner who left his home to wander
Some rheumatism pills for the settlers in the hills
Get along, mule!! , get along
Mule train!! (Hyah, hyah)
Mule train!!
Clippety cloppin’ through the wind and rain
They’ll keep goin’ till they drop, clippety clop, clippety clop
Clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety, clippety cloppin’ along
There’s a letter full of sadness trimmed with black around the border
A pair of boots for someone who had them made to order
A bible in the pack for the Reverend Mr. Black
Get along, mule! , get along
Get along, mule, get along!! (mule train)
FADE