"The City of New Orleans" is a song written by Steve Goodman (and first recorded for his self-titled 1971 album), describing a train ride from Chicago to New Orleans on the Illinois Central Railroad's City of New Orleans in bittersweet and nostalgic terms. Goodman got the idea while traveling on the Illinois Central line for a visit to his wife's family. It has been recorded by John Denver, Johnny Cash (with June Carter Cash), Judy Collins and others.