I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"i've been working on the railroad" is a traditional American folk song with origins in the late 19th century, often attributed to multiple anonymous composers. Its simple melody and rhythmic drive made it widely accessible for both folk and early jazz interpretations.

The first commercial recordings appeared in the early 1920s, with performers such as the Victor Military Band capturing its upbeat, march-like character. Later revivals in jazz and popular music, including recordings by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, reinforced its cultural significance.

The lyrics celebrate the labor and camaraderie of railroad workers. Musically, it typically follows a simple verse-chorus pattern with major-key harmonies, making it suitable for sing-alongs, ensemble performances, and improvisational embellishments.