Publix commercial - Pat Metheny's "Last Train Home"

One of the things that I always looked forward to during the holiday season was this commercial. Not so much for the commercial itself, but because they used Pat Metheny's "Last Train Home" and NO voiceover. This song was always so evocative and I think it's a very timeless ad. Metheny even joked about it when he performed here in the Tampa Bay area. He referred to it as "the Publix song".

[@SD-ni2ys]

Pure, distilled, grade-a nostalgia for Floridian 90's kids.

[@cdevidal]

Still get goosebumps

[@georgemanley6421]

That commercial was 1989 I know cause I'm from Florida

[@deanabdulhaqq2082]

Yes!!!❤

[@brentturner7232]

I'm one of those 90s Floridian kids, and in a weird way, this commercial helped to ring in the holiday season for me. I look back at that time with fondness, and would go back to it in a heartbeat.

[@Rhiorrha]

I remember this commercial. Floridian here as well. I could swear I also remember this song being used on channel 16 or 3 while footage of citrus railcars was shown, during the two to three minutes between children's shows in the mornings. I want to say around 1989. Around the same time Fox was still doing videos of annual graduating classes while playing the song "You're the Best of the Class This Year"

[@candycane9264]

This commercial brings back the holidays in the 90s when thanksgiving was thanksgiving and Christmas was Christmas 😢😢😢

[@brandonrue4840]

Damn 😔😔😔how I miss my grandma thanks Publix

[@u686st7]

No copy, just music and images. One of the best commercials ever made. Gets me in the feels every time I watch it.

[@ladysienna2000]

Best Christmas Commercial ever made by Publix. Hasn't been anything like it since then.

[@beachdude6]

The song "Last Train Home" was used in a Christmas commercial by the Florida-based supermarket chain Publix, featuring relatives traveling to Florida by train for Christmas.[citation needed] The commercial aired every holiday season from 1987 to 1996. "Last Train Home"I miss it always take me back to better times

[@bigwillietheb]

this commercial is now 30 years old , oh what memories

[@mcmgator]

Man this brings back some awesome warm memories of Christmas when I was a kid. One of the best Christmas commercials ever. Young parents traveling home with their daughter and grandpa and grandma back home preparing to receive them warmly with an lovely Christmas meal. There's a beauty in simplicity and this commercial is a great example of that.

[@northwest8604]

When this commercial aired, I was a stockman for Publix(#363)!!!

[@jdmarr2259]

This has got to be my favorite Publix holiday commercial of all time. Thank you for posting it ❤️

[@erickagray4333]

Me too ❤❤❤❤ Good memories 🙏🏾

[@tzu2146]

My all time favorite Publix commercial with one of my favorite songs. ❤

[@micmac99]

1. Publix was my supermarket of choice living in Atlanta. Wish they were nationwide. 2. I am also a big fan of Pat Metheny.

[@babe-b-face-cane]

Can’t lose either way ✔️

[@mikewazowski350]

I've heard they are expanding to Kentucky. Give it time. They will eventually be nationwide

[@zolemica]

@@mikewazowski350 From your mouth to God's ears.

[@koreanjesus8185]

This is one of the few commercials that will stick in my brain forever. The perfect song was chosen and the imagery pulls the heartstrings. Thank you for posting this.

[@babe-b-face-cane]

This commercial is bittersweet for me. I was a child at my grandparents house when this came on during the holidays. Now both of my grandparents are gone (buried my grandma yesterday) and I had to listen/watch once again to remember those good ole times. ❤️

[@nicolesealey3632]

I'm sorry you've lost them. I hope the memories bring more comfort than pain. I have similar feelings about this commercial and my family. We're missing several of us now, but this commercial makes me feel like a kid again.

[@babe-b-face-cane]

@@nicolesealey3632 I share the same sentiment. Nostalgia is bittersweet. 🩷

[@copperandbrick]

My sweetie was coming home to me on Christmas day; this commercial played on tv as I was cooking a nice dinner. I'll always love you, my heart.

[@marcosc7375]

To this date that was and is the best Publix commercial. Brings back so many memories of mom and dad.

[@keeponcruisin7876]

Well we here in Florida who grew up with a TV around this time are so thankful for this advertisement. Probably their best yet. Timeless. Ty Mr Methany for letting them use it. I still love it.

[@zolemica]

One of the best ever commercials for Publix--and just a great commercial period. It does make me homesick, though.

[@keeponcruisin7876]

Bless your heart. We miss you too

[@user-cg5vp7rh8b]

Move back to Florida then.🖐️

[@pluckyfox08]

I remembered this commercial since I was a kid. The nostalgia this brings 😊

[@dannyoneal3226]

The music in Last Train Home is from Still Life (Talking) an album by Pat Metheny Group, released in 1987. This Publix commercial ran from 1987 to1996. To this day, when Pat Metheny is performing, he'll refer to the song as, “The Publix song.”Dec 13, 2016

[@randyborst7517]

I've loved this song from the start, never saw the commercial until today.

[@anneminer1965]

That is so cool that Pat Metheny calls it that. I did not know. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of info. :)

[@karimmifflin5509]

Just seeing this brin9 brings back fond memories of when I used to live in fort Lauderdale and shop at Publix

[@candycane9264]

Hey 👋🏾 I live in fort Lauderdale was down here in Florida happiness filled the air when celebrating, when Grandma did the cooking🥰

[@neosigma1007]

Imagining how Abdul treated the Crusaders to a sumptuous meal as promised on the last train home was something that could make a real man cry.

[@beachdude6]

best part about the holidays when this song came out I think late 80s,the best of all the memories from the good old days,they should rerun it,almost brings tears

[@ducecinco]

Reminds of the good times at Granma house during the holidays, It’s not the same anymore,😢everyone’s grown and doesnt come together anymore.....This song has been stuck in my head since I was a little kid. I’ve been searching for this commercials for years & couldn’t find it. I was always searching for an Amtrak commercial.

[@morrisonAV]

Glad you found this ad. It does seem to stick in people's minds for a long time.

[@typlummer7342]

Every time I hear this song, takes me back to 1997, when my grandmother and mother were alive. Thinking about how the family got together at Thanksgiving and Christmas..all the food and laughter. Makes me reminisce and brings sadness..every time!

[@haworthhoarder]

Publix has the most brilliant TV advertising. It always focuses on family and food and is usually set around the dinner table. This ad is one of the very best.

[@whitehawkeFLA]

I remember this commercial from when I first moved beck to Florida in 1988. It always reminds me Christmas, and home, will be different now.

[@kas2831]

I heard this song on an anime and it immediately rung a bell! My childhood! Publix! What a relaxing, warm memory! I wish they still ran these types of commercials.

[@baylinkdashyt]

Kelley Szymanski they do. Every year. In fact they just released one for this season, and Fox 13 Tampa did an actual story on it, which was what brought me here.

[@JBtheJMB84]

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures

[@pamelajaye]

@@baylinkdashyt I was going to say "but they do!" But then someone else did. I almost didn't notice it was my brother. (And I didn't see the thing from Channel 13. Although I did see a comment that a commercial was shot at channel 13... I don't think I noticed which one it was. Or who said it) But they do. I still like the one with the intern the best. But there was that one of the little child who got up too early - and then years later... That may take a little bit of searching.

[@shinphatman]

Avdol...Iggy...Kakyoin.... We'll miss you

[@notkanye8770]

a thanksgiving without avdol, iggy, and kakyoin :(

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Been a Metheny fan for 40 years. First time I saw this on my TV in Gainesville I was in tears. Pat hooked me on jazz. Seen him 4 times live, once on a quiet afternoon at the bandshell at UofF. I layed on my bike after class with 2 beers. He played into dusk. Intimate and magic.

[@morrisonAV]

Cool memory. Thanks for sharing it.

[@amberbell8282]

I love this commercial. It reminds of the old Christmas days, and what it's like to have my family together around the holidays when grandma was still alive

[@u686st7]

Same here. Unfortunately times (and people) change, not always for the better.

[@Gracebeliever077]

This is an Amtrak commercial that Publix got in the way of. LOL.

[@kendrag.]

These were the best holidays miss it.

[@ajogg]

I lived in the Tampa Bay area for many years, and remember this commercial fondly during the Holidays, thanks for sharing.

[@Modeltnick]

Anyone else back here in 2023, longing for better days long passed?

[@tericaclark4871]

I will say publix always had the best commercials hands down

[@MissdeCanci]

I emailed Publix last year about this commercial...asking them to bring it back. Maybe if everybody bugged them we could get it back. Does anyone have a video of the Publix Commercial from the early 90's that has the Bob Marley song One Love? I would LOVE to see that one again.

[@jolainedecoste4686]

OMG!!!!🥰

[@goofy10yearsago12]

Love the music 🎶

[@MrHutchart]

my heart skips a beat everytime i watch this vid... great 80s memories.. thank you!

[@WorldFederal]

I still remember this commercial from when I was 7 or 8 y/o.

[@user-rd5vd1rg2c]

They need to bring this commercial back. It puts joy in my heart when I listen to it.

[@kyarimaresuki]

I didn't think I'd find this! I was just laughing about the usage of sitar in another song from a few years later, and, with such conversations, this commercial always comes back. I vividly remember it airing in 1989, when we were fresh from Northern Michigan and everything Florida was still a novelty. I was a kid, but I had been impressed with the production value in a grocery store commercial. I wasn't exactly fond of it, but it really stood out. I don't think I saw a Publix for a while, though! We lived in a rural area and were too poor for Publix, anyway. 😅

[@tee_918]

Wow! I haven't seen this commercial since I was a kid, it definitely ushered in the holiday season back then, why the hell did I tear up lol

[@Tiberius291]

Great memories here in Miami Florida 1989 when i first heard this song on the "Publix" commercial, then later heard it on Love94 Smooth Jazz radio, beautiful tune. 🚅

[@brandonrue3231]

Thank you 😢😢2022 love you grandma

[@user-br4xl2vu2t]

I lived in Orlando between 87and 90. I didn't know who Pat Metheny was until i started listening to WLOQ. Last train home was on the "Still life talking" album that Publix used for the Christmas commercial in 88, I was probably the only one amongst friends who knew Pat Metheny was. It get gets better. i spoke and even met Don Kirby, an WLOQ D.J. then. Orlando was great and I did well there but it just was not home. I told the company I worked for to transfer me to Ohio, or I would quit. They listened and did. I will always remember December 14th 1989. I called Don Kirby and said I am leaving Fla. and going home to Ohio and will be on the highway heading North in about 45 minutes. Could you play Pat Metheny's Last Train Home.? He said "you got it" . Sure enough 45 minutes later (didn't expect this) He said over the airwaves "this next Pat Metheny song goes out to Craig who is leaving Orlando for a career transfer (he never said Ohio) . Bon voyage long time loyal listener" . My eyes welled up and and a good short cry followed. I will never forget that amazing moment.

[@andrewd.conard5088]

Incredible story

[@justindumlao]

Before today, I'd never seen this commercial, and I've only just recently discovered "Last Train Home" on Spotify. Had to look this up when I read about it on Wikipedia, and I can see why it was so popular: there's a genuine warmth that comes from it.

[@imthemoneyman]

I remember this ad around 1990 - at the time and i didn't think much of it - but then Christmas time came and the radio station Q105 played the whole song and joked that the song was a 3 minute publix ad but then just seriously said that it was an actual song by Pat Metheny. I remember trying to find a pen and paper to write the guys name down but i forgot about it until it popped up on youtube.

[@Leonardo1963ify]

I loved this commercial when I lived in Florida….1990.

[@chevelle837]

I wish Publix would put this commercial back in rotation. I’ll start the petition❤🎉.

[@glenparris5221]

I was always jealous of this commercial. I want Christmas on a boat!

[@GatorBailBonds]

Tears...

[@trollingisasport]

for Fears

[@AUClay]

Growing up in central Florida this was the absolute best commercial during the holidays.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

Amtrak and Publix need to collaborate on a new, modern version of this commercial. Maybe use the same music but with a more modern setting.

[@dannyoneal3226]

I WAS 22 & 23 WHEN THIS WAS RUNNING !!!!!!! Day's gone by !!!!!!!

[@soniclad]

Took me years to figure out it was Pat Metheny's song in this commercial (no internet in the '80s 🤣). It wasn't until an old boss gave me a jazz CD compilation with the song in it. Love the song ... and the commercial. Thanks for posting this.

[@vongelse1]

Commercial brings back sweet memories from when my kids were babies at christmas

[@proplayer341]

Brings me back to a time ill never forget❤

[@zazorro1]

I work at Publix and I wish they played this song there

[@DuwangKaizer]

Publix need to collaborate with Hirohiko Araki, Shueisha and David Production to make a special JoJo Part 3-Themed Christmas commercial featuring this song!

[@luggerphilippe8409]

What is this jojo thing your talking about? I keep seeing others say the same thing

[@jacobsoto7228]

An anime (Japanese cartoon) that made this song resurface ​@@luggerphilippe8409

[@BrendanMcClelland]

Great commercial and great song

[@gwit247]

Man this commercial brings back some memories. Used to see it when I was a kid. Reminds me of when I was a kid during the holidays with family. 😢

[@dequavisrobinson7385]

I still remember this commercial i love it 2023

[@kevp3378]

I can almost smell my grandma's house thru this commercial..those were the days..what a time to be alive..#RIPGrandma #80s90sKid

[@jasonstoutamire177]

Right there with you bro. Christmas road trip from Tallahassee to Jax to see Ganna and Geepa.

[@mellodman4950]

I use to cry to this commercial

[@montrelljones2689]

Gotta watch it every year!

[@Watcher3223]

A remarkable, very tasteful commercial.

[@zecraw]

That's.....way too much food. LOL. Fond memories of this ad, though. Funny how I haven't seen it in years, and yet seeing it again I remember every shot and beat of it. For a brief moment, felt like no time has passed at all since those days. Yet, so much has.

[@gunnerseven7724]

For some reason I remembered this as an AMTRAK commercial. Now seeing it years later, evidently I was wrong.

[@macsenplays]

Things were so simple in the 80s. Can't we wind things back to this?

[@mikezap1800]

I love the music but as a kid i always hated the commercial because i hated living in FL (originally from new york) So i always got upset when seeing the train come from up north in the snow.

[@positivity29]

Wow I really enjoyed that just now that was magical I was in elementary school when that came out and can remember those times vividly. This is a classic.

[@vickyabramowitz2885]

I've always liked songs about trains.

[@chandlerwinston]

ALL the feels!

[@hernanmartinez7363]

Oh yes Good ole Florida living !

[@joshhieronymus8107]

This is a VIBE.

[@bluerubyshadow]

with the current state of things in 2020 publix should just use this as their 2020 christmas ad in either it’s original state or with covid19-era footage

[@neonhomer]

I remembered this as an Amtrak commercial... funny it's actually a Publix commercial!

[@yorkemar]

Its a great track but its no minuano 6-8....

[@mestis0]

JoJo!

[@FrenchToasted1995]

good song choice for a commercial

[@nancyd.6191]

Thanks for posting

[@vicmal2112]

feels

[@jonescity]

+Victor Malvarez Exactly bring back a lot of memories as a kid! I miss the 90's!

[@HazedAmethyst]

Bring this commercial back. Florida gal, here. Soo many memories🥹 oh I how miss that warm feeling of anticipated Christmas🥲

[@cecilb.brooks2739]

Yes❤🫶✨️❤️🫶✨️

[@jasonstoutamire177]

And instantly I’m 8 years old again riding with the family from Tally to Jax for Christmas with the grandparents.

[@georgemanley6421]

I remember this commercial from 1989

[@mikesmith-vw6ee]

I have a 4 hour loop of this song

[@denrael]

Man, I hope it's not too late... the instrument is an electric sitar.

[@mauricewalker5115]

Duval County Stand Up!!!

[@lousyacrobat]

childhood..

[@Stachybotryss]

crys

[@baylinkdashyt]

And I just want to note, to the original poster, that this is just absolutely smashing quality transfer. I infer from the Quad whine that I hear in the background that you work at an ad agency and took it directly off of a master tape? It really is about as good a transfer as I think it's possible to get from a commercial that was mastered in SD. So the real question question is - did they edit this on film? Could they retransfer it in HD?

[@MontgomeryMall]

In actuality as the visiting family is apparently riding two different Amtrak routes, the likelihood would be that one or both of the trains would be delayed, hours perhaps days late and they would miss the holiday dinner.

[@95mushroom]

Do you happen to know what route/body of water that is, at 0:33/0:34?

[@MontgomeryMall]

@@95mushroom Yes, it quite possibly could be the Lake Pontchartrain train trestle, which is to the northeast of New Orleans and adjacent to the US 11 Maestri Bridge.

[@thisgarbageiscoralgable.88]

........... Awesome. (Hiraeth..........) 🕶

[@jeffthomas1222]

97

[@candycane9264]

Publix and Winn Dixie, before walmart

[@GatorBailBonds]

what years did this run anybody???

[@119Agent]

88-96

[@trollingisasport]

Whats the name of that instrument?! I need to know or one puppy will die.

[@baylinkdashyt]

Dirk Diggler I'm pretty sure Pat Metheny just played this on his traditional electric guitar.

[@troyjeffery1646]

Pat Metheny - Last Train Home. Happy Thanks Giving to you and your family! :)

[@baylinkdashyt]

It turns out that I am wrong - that is in fact what is called an 'electric sitar', though it's not actually a sitar, it's more an electric guitar with sympathetic vibration strings. Danelectro sells them for about six or seven grand.

[@Keepskatin]

@@baylinkdashyt buy it

[@christopherheinze1658]

I always thought this was an Amtrak commercial.