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Mystery Train / Tiger Man – Elvis Presley – 1969

About The Song

“Mystery Train / Tiger Man” is a live recording by Elvis Presley from his 1969 album “Elvis in Person at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.” Here are five facts about this iconic performance:

  1. Medley: “Mystery Train / Tiger Man” is a medley of two songs seamlessly blended together during Elvis’s live performances. “Mystery Train” was originally recorded by Junior Parker in 1953, while “Tiger Man” is a song associated with Rufus Thomas.
  2. Blues Roots: Both “Mystery Train” and “Tiger Man” are deeply rooted in blues traditions, reflecting Elvis’s love for the genre and his ability to infuse it with his own unique style.
  3. Live Energy: Recorded during his Las Vegas residency in 1969, this medley captures the raw energy and charisma of Elvis’s live performances during this period, showcasing his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence.
  4. Improvisation: Elvis often improvised during live performances, and “Mystery Train / Tiger Man” is no exception. He would often extend the songs, adding ad-libs and engaging with the audience, making each performance unique and memorable.
  5. Fan Favorite: “Mystery Train / Tiger Man” became a fan favorite and a staple of Elvis’s live shows, with its infectious rhythm and bluesy vibe captivating audiences worldwide. It remains one of the standout tracks from Elvis’s live repertoire.

Video

Lyrics

Train I ride, 16 coaches long
Train I ride, 16 coaches long
Well, that long black train got my baby and gone

Train, train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend
Train, train, comin’ ’round the bend
Well, it took my baby, but it never will again, no, not again

Train, train, comin’ down, down the line
Train, train, comin’ down the line
Well, it’s bringin’ my baby, ’cause she’s mine all, all mine
She’s mine, all, all mine

Train, train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend (around and around the bend)
Train, train, comin’ ’round, ’round the bend (’round the bend)
Well, it took my baby, but it never will again, it never will again
Woo-woo