Meaning of "Woody and Dutch on the Slow Train to Peking" by Rickie Lee Jones

The song captures the essence of a bygone era of music and the cultural influence of rhythm and blues. Woody and Dutch represent two individuals on a quest for musical discovery, taking the slow train to Peking, a symbolic journey through the backstreets of musical history. Their engagement with scat and rap music represents a fusion of styles and the evolution of sounds. The mention of Stax and Sun highlights the importance of these record labels and their role in shaping the music industry. The narrator's reflection on how Cleveland and Memphis have forgotten their musical origins suggests a loss of connection to the roots of rhythm and blues, perhaps due to the changing times and commercialization of music. The mention of Woody and Dutch dancing in a jail cell adds a sense of rebellion and intrigue to the story, while the narrator's offer of a room signifies a sense of camaraderie and support within the music community. Overall, the lyrics tell a story of musical exploration, cultural significance, and the fading memories of a once vibrant musical era.