The Song Tom Johnston Wrote In A Motel With A Busted Ac And The Flu

April 1, 2025

Tom Johnston, the talented guitarist and vocalist of The Doobie Brothers, found himself one sweltering afternoon in a small, rundown motel room. The blistering heat of the summer sun pressed heavily against the windows, and the air conditioning unit in his room had long given up the fight. As if the stifling warmth wasn’t enough, Tom was battling a relentless bout of the flu. His body ached, his head pounded, and all he wanted was some cool air and a moment’s peace. But lying there, drenched in sweat, Tom felt a familiar stir within him—a call to write music.

Despite his fevered state, Tom couldn’t ignore the melody swirling in his mind. He reached for his guitar and notebook, determined to capture the music that seemed to dance just beyond his reach. The strings felt cool against his fingers, a soothing contrast to the fever burning within him. He strummed gently, letting his fingers find their way, each chord a step closer to the song taking shape inside his head. The room around him seemed to fall away, the broken air conditioner and his throbbing skull forgotten in the wake of the music.

With every note, Tom poured his soul into the song, his passion igniting a fire within that far outshone the fever. His condition felt like an obstacle, but instead of surrendering to it, he used it as a fuel. The song he penned in that muggy room was “Long Train Runnin’,” a track that would become one of the band’s most iconic hits. The lyrics captured movement and rhythm and life, a reflection of the relentless drive Tom felt even in his weakest moments. It was as if the music had always been there, waiting for him to be still enough to listen.

“Long Train Runnin'” went on to become a staple of The Doobie Brothers’ repertoire, loved by fans for its energy and groove. Critics and audiences alike praised its driving beat and infectious melody, and it helped to solidify the band’s place in rock history. For Tom, the song was more than just a hit single; it was proof of his resilience and dedication to his craft. He realized that no matter the circumstances, his passion for music would carry him through any challenge.

Looking back, Tom often recounted the story of the song’s creation with a sense of wonder. He saw it as a reminder of what one can achieve even in the direst situations. “Long Train Runnin'” was born not just from talent, but from an unwavering spirit and the belief that music could conquer anything—even a broken air conditioner and the flu. It became a testament to his enduring love for music and the incredible power of creativity that can shine through even in the darkest moments.