From the recording Raisin' Heck
Music and lyrics by Esther Wheaton
Originally performed by Banjo and the Bellows, 2012
Lyrics
Got that iron beneath my feet
That rhythm in my head
No cotton sheets on easy street
Got a boxcar for my bed
I'm gonna ride that freight train ‘til I’m dead
The railroad bulls are friends of mine
The smokestacks smell like home
And until I hop a suicide ride
These crossties are my bones
I’m gonna ride that freight train ‘til I’m gone
I don’t know but I’ve been told
That freight train, she don’t grow old
I don’t know but I’ve been told
That freight train, she don’t grow old
There’s still a train upon that track
Still water in that well
Still answers in your almanac
And histories to tell
I’m gonna ride that freight train straight to hell