In addition to Earle, it features Peter Rowan, Norman Blake, Roy Huskey, and Emmylou Harris.

Train a Comin' was the first album recorded after Earle overcame his addiction to drugs in the fall of 1994, after being convicted for possession.

[7] The album also includes an instrumental by Norman Blake and three covers: Townes Van Zandt's "Tecumseh Valley", the Beatles' "I'm Looking Through You" and The Melodians' reggae standard "Rivers of Babylon."

Earle drew on established bluegrass and acoustic instrumentalists for the album, which was a departure from his earlier work with backing band the Dukes.

The album was nominated for a 1996 Grammy in the "Best Contemporary Folk" category, losing out to Emmylou Harris's Wrecking Ball, which included a cover of Earle's "Goodbye" with him on guitar.