The Wabash Cannonball is a traditional American folk song that celebrates the Wabash Cannonball, a legendary train that traveled along the Wabash Railroad, primarily in the Midwest United States. The song's lyrics describe the train's speed, power, and enduring legacy as it travels across the countryside. It also reflects on the experiences of railroad workers and passengers who journey on the Wabash Cannonball. The song has become a symbol of American folklore and the era of steam locomotives, capturing the excitement and romance associated with train travel in the early 20th century.
Letter notes
(B F#) D D D D G A B D° D° D° B B A G C E
D D F# A B A A A F# G F# E D D D D G A
B D° D° B B A G C E E D D D F# A B A A
F# D E F# G
Number notation
(7 4#) 2 2 2 2 5 6 7 2° 2° 2° 7 7 6 5 1 3
2 2 4# 6 7 6 6 6 4# 5 4# 3 2 2 2 2 5 6
7 2° 2° 7 7 6 5 1 3 3 2 2 2 4# 6 7 6 6
4# 2 3 4# 5
The Only Songbook You'll Ever Need
The fastest way to build confidence and technique is by playing real music, and the Kalimba Songbook is designed for exactly that. This focused collection of 80 clean, easy-to-read kalimba tabs lets beginners and developing players skip long theory sections and start making music immediately, using clear tablature that removes frustration and builds skill naturally. By learning through real songs, reading kalimba notation becomes intuitive, progress feels effortless, and playing becomes far more enjoyable as your confidence grows.
Download the Kalimba Songbook →
