Funeral Train

A number of years ago I came across a book of images by the photographer, Paul Fusco.
He had been the photographer assigned to accompany and document the last ride of Robert F Kennedy, as his body was carried from New York City to his final resting place in Arlington, VA beside his brother John.
At some point early in the journey, Mr Fusco gazed out the window and realized in wonderment that thousands and thousands of people were lining the tracks to see off Bobby.
Quickly grabbing his camera, he took image after image of mostly working class and poor Americans giving their final regards.
The look of shock and grief on many of these faces is palpable and uniquely American. For many, Bobby Kennedy embodied a final hope for the working poor and for civil rights and equality.
I found these images heartbreaking, haunting, and tragic.

This song finds it's inspiration in them.

Hop up Johnny, come look come see
Here come’s the train carrying Bobby Kennedy
Underneath a flag in a box of wood
There’s a slow train rolling through the neighborhood

Bells are ringing and the Woolworth’s closed
Cars pulling over by the side of the road
The whole town’s standing in the dust and weeds
Trying to get a view of Bobby Kennedy

How I wish that it would rain
The sun’s so hot, the sky’s ablaze
On the Funeral Train

Ever since the news come down that night
Mama’s in the kitchen sitting there crying
She held me so close that I couldn’t breath
I got so scared I cried myself to sleep

I dreamt I ran down deserted Main
I heard the wail but I could’t find the Funeral Train

And Summer’s almost gone
Before it had begun..
It’s disappearing down the track
And it’s never coming back…

Brother left the house at the crack of dawn
He’s barely said a word since Viet Nam
I saw him later on the train platform
Standing in the heat in his uniform

I saw his eyes fill up with pain
Raised his hand once last time
To salute the Funeral Train

Hop up Johnny, come run with me
There’s a slow train rolling towards the cemetery
Blacks and Whites running next to me
Waving bye bye to Bobby Kennedy

Waving bye bye to Bobby Kennedy

[winros]

I was there with my grandma! Frelinghuysen Avenue Newark New Jersey! That's where we stood and watch the train go by. I remember Patrick waving in back of the train... I will never forget that day I was 8 years old.

[joycesimmons]

Paul Fusco used is camera to bring humanity to life. He just passed away at 89. The song by Peter Sinjin was beautiful and touching. We need to always look back at history through photographs. It just might help heal us in today’s world.

[bernie]

Instant classic. Thanks Peter. I love your song. The photos and film of the funeral train is profoundly moving. The song does it justice.