The Silverton

C.W. McCall's song "The Silverton" is a nostalgic tribute to the historic Silverton train, a narrow-gauge railroad that runs through the scenic Animas Canyon in Colorado. The song paints a vivid picture of the train's journey, starting from its birth in 1881 as a product of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The Silverton is personified as a living entity, a 'beautiful daughter' that consumes vast amounts of water and coal, emphasizing its powerful and enduring nature.

The lyrics take the listener on a 45-mile journey through the rugged and breathtaking Animas Canyon. The imagery of the train struggling up steep grades, taking on water at the Needleton tank, and passing the Snowshed slide creates a sense of adventure and admiration for the engineering marvel that the Silverton represents. The chorus, with its repetitive lines, mimics the rhythmic chugging of the train, reinforcing the sense of movement and continuity.

C.W. McCall's musical style, often associated with country and truck-driving songs, adds a layer of authenticity and Americana to the narrative. The song not only celebrates the physical journey of the Silverton but also evokes a sense of historical continuity and connection to the past. The line "The Train To Yesterday" suggests that riding the Silverton is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible link to a bygone era. The song's repetitive structure and musical interludes, featuring violins and kettle drums, enhance the nostalgic and almost cinematic quality of the story being told.

"The Silverton" is more than just a song about a train; it's a celebration of history, engineering, and the timeless allure of the American West. It invites listeners to appreciate the beauty and challenges of the journey, both literal and metaphorical, and to recognize the enduring legacy of the Silverton train.