The STory Behind

“Train Without a Whistle”

Today, it’s rare that hit country artists cut songs they don’t write. It used to be a very common practice on Music Row to pitch outside songs to artists. Seasoned pro writers with long track records of expertly crafting hit songs would have their songs recorded by equally seasoned artists with long track records of expertly interpreting lyrics and melodies that make listeners feel something powerful.

Publishing companies have song pluggers who specifically and intimately learn their company’s catalog. There’s a “tip sheet” that circulates around Music Row that displays pertinent information, such as which artists are looking for songs, the dates they plan to be in the studio, what types of songs they are looking for, etc. Then the pluggers choose songs from their catalogs they think will suite certain artists on the tip sheet and literally pitch songs directly to the artist and/or their producers and labels.

That’s how I came across “Train Without a Whistle.” It’s written by Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Jim McBride, and mega hit maker, Jon Randall. I grew up listening to Jim McBride’s songs on the radio. Songs like Alan Jackson’s, “Chattahoochee” and “Who Says You Can’t Have it All.” And just when you think Jon Randall can’t possibly have more great ideas, he raises his own bar with hits like “Whiskey Lullaby” (Brad Paisley & Allison Kraus) and “Geraldine” (Miranda Lambert).

You know a hit when you hear it. “Train Without a Whistle” is a hit. The hook is genius. The lyrics are well crafted and the emotion rings true. Hear more about the song in the video…

Listen to more hits by these writers on this playlist.