I can see that train a comin'

Watch that big light shine this way

Hear that whistle softly blowing

Lord, it's been an awful day

I watched him leave that Friday morning

It was in the month of May

I told my son to be a good soldier

But return again some day

He was returned just one year later

But, I'll not forget that day

The baggage car is where he traveled

In a casket where he lay

Train man, keep your whistle blowing

Make it moan and make it whine

You make a man feel mighty lonesome

With a memory like mine

In a little country graveyard

On a dark and dreary day

They laid a flag upon the casket

And the casket in the grave

I couldn't stand it any longer

And I knew not how to pray

I cried, "Oh Lord, I hate to leave him

All alone beneath that clay"

Train man, keep your whistle blowing

Make it moan and make it whine

You make a man feel mighty lonesome

With a memory like mine

I can see him as a baby

I can hear him call my name

I can feel him under fire

And see him rising from the flames

Lord, if I could I'd trade places

I would gladly give my all

I'd wrap that flag around me like a blanket

And listen for the clods to fall

Train man, keep your whistle blowing

Make it moan and make it whine

You make a man feel mighty lonesome

With a memory like mine

Train man, keep your whistle blowing

Make it moan and make it whine

You make a man feel mighty lonesome

With a memory like mine