Lesson 1: Learning “This Train Is Bound for Glory”

Aim: What musical opposites can we find in “This Train Is Bound for Glory”?
Summary: Students meet the artist, explore the meaning of the song, and learn musical opposites of
dynamics (loud/soft) and tempo (fast/slow).
Materials: Musical Explorers CD or online audio, Musical Explorers Student Guide
Time required: 30 minutes (three 10-minute activities)
Standards: US 1, 2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 6, 7.2, 8; GA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9; SC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Vocabulary: dynamics, tempo, gospel music, spirituals


Meet Huxsie

• Meet Huxsie on SG33.


Sing “This Train is Bound for Glory”

  • Listen to “This Train Is Bound for Glory,” Track 30.
  • Now listen to the first verse of “This Train Is Bound for Glory,” Track 31, and sing along with Huxsie.





This Train Is Bound for Glory

This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don’t ride nothin’ but the righteous and holy
Oh, oh, oh, talkin’ ’bout this train.

This train don’t carry no liars, this train,
This train don’t carry no liars, this train,
This train don’t carry no liars, no hypocrites, and no high flyers.
Oh, oh, oh, talkin’ ’bout this train.

This train has left the station, this train,
This train has left the station, this train,
This train has left the station, this train takes on every nation.
Oh, oh, oh, talkin’ ’bout this train.

This train is built for speed, this train,
This train is built for speed, this train,
This train is built for speed, fastest train that you ever did see,
Oh, oh, oh, talkin’ ’bout this train.

This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory, this train,
This train is bound for glory,
Don’t ride nothin’ but the righteous and holy
Oh, oh, oh, talkin’ ’bout this train.


Explore Musical Opposites in “This Train Is Bound for Glory”

  • Review the songs students have learned so far this year. Explain that dynamics mean how loud or soft a song is. Discuss which Muscial Explorers songs are loud and which are soft.
  • Explain that tempo means how fast or slow a song is. Ask your class which Musical Explorers songs are fast and which ones are slow.
  • Listen for loud/soft dynamics and fast/slow tempos in “This Train Is Bound for Glory.”
  • Discuss the sounds that you hear a train make in your neighborhood. Brainstorm some of the “opposite” sounds you might hear a train make.

    • What is a soft train sound? (e.g., the rumble of a distant train)
    • What is a loud train sound? (e.g., a train whistle or wheels screeching)
    • What is a slow train sound? (e.g., the sounds of the wheels starting)
    • What is a fast train sound? (e.g., the whoosh of the train whizzing by)
  • Once you have decided on four contrasting train sounds, create a musical train. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group a train sound. Point to each group when you want them to start, gradually adding new sounds. Indicate when each group should stop making their sound. Remember to focus on musical opposites of loud/soft or fast/slow.
  • Sing “This Train Is Bound for Glory,” adding in your own dynamic range and variations in tempo.


Creative Extension: Explore Meaning in “This Train Is Bound for Glory”

What does “glory” mean? Ask students to imagine a glorious place. (Common definitions of glory include great beauty and splendor; praise, honor, or distinction; a height of achievement).

  • Turn to SG34 and draw a train. Imagine that the train is headed for a glorious place and include an image in the picture to represent this special place. Share your work with Savannah Music Festival (education@savannahmusicfestival.org).
  • Listen again to “This Train Is Bound for Glory,” Track 30, and sing along.


“This Train Is Bound for Glory” is written in a style of American folk music called gospel. Gospel music has diverse roots, but was influenced by African American spirituals, which were songs originally sung by African American slaves to express their emotions during times of difficulty. Influences of folk music and call and response church music are also present in gospel music. There is often a repetitive quality to the music.

For a good resource on all genres of African American music, visit HONOR! A History of African American Music at carnegiehall.org/honor/history.


Musical Word Wall

Add the words dynamics, tempo, gospel music, and spirituals to the Musical Word Wall.


PDF Downloads

SG33 ↓ Download File
SG34 ↓ Download File