Did Anyone Ever Tell You Mrs Murphy Watchin The Trains Go By – A Perry Como Gem That Still Rolls On
If you’ve ever stumbled across an old vinyl or dusty record sleeve with the name Perry Como on it, chances are you’re about to hear something smooth. Real smooth. This 1950 album, Did Anyone Ever Tell You Mrs Murphy Watchin The Trains Go By, is no exception. Backed by Mitchell Ayres & His Orchestra, this Pop-Vocal masterpiece was released under His Master’s Voice in the Netherlands and the UK. It's like stepping into a time machine where life was simpler but somehow still just as complicated.
Let’s dive into two standout tracks that’ll stick in your head for all the right reasons.
First up: “Watchin’ The Tracks Go By.” Man, this one hits different. There’s something hypnotic about the rhythm—it’s not flashy, not trying too hard. Just Perry’s voice gliding over the orchestra like butter melting on warm toast. The lyrics? Super chill, almost poetic. It paints this picture of sitting near train tracks, letting the world pass by while you ponder life. I dunno, maybe it’s because we don’t sit and watch trains anymore (thanks, Netflix), but this song feels nostalgic even if you weren’t alive back then. You can practically smell the coal smoke and hear the clatter of wheels against steel.
Then there’s “Did Anyone Ever Tell You Mrs. Murphy…”—which has got to be one of the quirkiest titles ever. But hey, don’t let that fool ya. This track swings! It’s playful, lighthearted, and feels like Perry’s winking at you through the speakers. The melody bounces along so effortlessly that you might miss how clever the words are. Like, who is Mrs. Murphy? What did someone tell her? We never really find out, but honestly, it doesn’t matter. It’s less about the story and more about the vibe. You could listen to this on repeat and swear Perry’s performing just for you in some cozy jazz club.
What makes this album special isn’t just the music; it’s how human it feels. Sure, it’s polished, but not in that cold, robotic way modern stuff sometimes is. Every note breathes, every pause speaks. Listening to it now, decades later, feels like eavesdropping on another era—but one that oddly understands ours.
And here’s the kicker: albums like this remind me why people used to treasure music more. Before Spotify playlists and algorithm recommendations, folks had to pick their records carefully. They chose what stayed in their homes, what spun on those turntables night after night. And yeah, sure, Perry Como probably wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but dang if he didn’t make some magic with these tunes.
So next time you see an old-school record player lying around—or heck, even a YouTube link—give this one a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll catch yourself watching trains go by… or wondering what secrets Mrs. Murphy took to her grave.
