"Downtown Train" is a song by Tom Waits released on his album Rain Dogs in 1985. Rod Stewart recorded a cover version that became a number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 after being released as a single in 1989; this version also became a UK Top 10 hit in 1990. The Rod Stewart cover featured the slide guitar playing of Jeff Beck, who also appeared on the video.
Other artists who have covered "Downtown Train" include Mary-Chapin Carpenter, who included it on her debut album Hometown Girl in 1987, and Patty Smyth, who released a version that same year that reached #95 on the Billboard Hot 100. Everything But the Girl also produced a cover of the song, in their case, an acoustic version.
Bob Seger also recorded a cover version of "Downtown Train" in 1989, but it was never released because Rod Stewart had beaten him to it in that same year.
It has also been covered by Swedish artist Moneybrother, who recorded a Swedish version of it that is included on his album Pengabrorsan.
