Big Railroad Man
Journey of Longing: A Railroad Man's Promise
Lyrics
The birthday party was over toys were scattered here and there
The birthday party has ended, and toys are scattered around.
Seven candles lay by the last piece of cake in front of an empty chair
Seven candles remain near the last piece of cake, symbolizing a celebration that took place, but an empty chair suggests someone is missing.
A mother said son I know you're disappointed but please try to understand
A mother consoles her son, explaining that his father, a big railroad man, is busy.
Your daddy's been awfuly busy because you see he's a very big railroad man
The father is occupied with his work as a significant figure in the railroad industry.
So you go on to sleep now she kissed him turned out the light
The mother kisses the boy goodnight and turns off the light.
But moments later a window opened and this little boy slipped out into the night
The boy sneaks out of the window into the night.
He was on his way to the depot the express wasn't due till ten
The boy heads to the depot, anticipating his father's arrival, though the train isn't due until ten.
But who knows it might run a special if daddy's comin' in
There's hope that a special train might arrive if the father is coming.
That mighty scream of the 9:15 wripped through the winter night
The 9:15 train's loud scream is heard in the winter night.
And the whirl of the wheels and the clang of the steel
The sounds of the train are described - wheels, steel, and a jarring effect on the countryside.
Seemed that jarred the country side
A southbound freight, running late, is working hard to catch up.
It was a southbound freight and it was runnin' late tryin' hard to make up time
A big man with a sack gets off the train, energetic and lion-like.
When a great big man with a sack in his hand bound off that train like a lion
The man swiftly gets up, indicating experience, and asks about the town.
He hit the road like an old pro then he got up off the ground
He brushes off snow from his clothes.
Brushed the snow from off his grimy clothes
The man inquires about the town's name.
And he said hey kid what's the name of this town
The boy identifies the town as Grandville, and the man reveals he used to live there years ago.
The frightened boy said Grandville sir and the man said well what do you know
The man expresses a desire to visit and points towards the Joneses.
I used to live in this little ol' one horse town bout six or seven years ago
The boy clarifies that his family is the only Joneses in town.
I told my wife when I left here that I was coming back in style
The man mentions leaving the town but returning in style.
Ha oh well anyway I'm back I guess I might as well visit for awhile
He decides to visit for a while, requesting directions to the Joneses' home.
So if you'll be so kind as to point the way to the Joneses
The boy provides directions.
Well I'll go now and leave you be
The man expresses gratitude and hints at leaving.
And the young boy said the only Joneses that live around here sir
The boy adds that the only Joneses left are him and his mom.
Is my mama and my daddy and me
He mentions his dad has been gone for a long time, emphasizing his father's importance as a railroad man.
Of course dad's been gone for a long time now
The boy notes his dad's absence.
Course now he don't want to be ye understand
He explains that his father doesn't want to be present due to his busy and crucial role.
It's just that my daddy's got lotta important things to do
The boy defends his father's absence, citing important responsibilities.
You see sir he's a very big railroad man
The emphasis on the father's significance as a big railroad man is reiterated.
Oh he sends me birthday presents and mama reads me what he writes
Despite the physical absence, the father sends birthday presents, and his letters are read by the mother.
In his last letter daddy promised that he was gonna try and make it home tonight
The boy mentions the father's promise to try and make it home tonight.
The man scratched the side of his head and said
The man, seemingly confused, scratches his head.
Grandville Grandville I thought you said Denville
He mistakenly refers to the town as Denville instead of Grandville.
Oh well it's a kida natural mistake
The boy dismisses it as a natural mistake.
Now if you'll just point the way to the depot
The man asks for directions to the depot, indicating he'll be checking on the fast freight.
I'm gonna be checkin' in on the fast freight
He instructs the boy to run home and tells his mom to prepare the father's room.
I'll tell you what you do oh boy you run on home now
The man has a feeling that the father might come home soon.
You tell your mom to go ahead and fix up your daddy's room
The boy is asked to relay the message to his mom.
Cause I've got the strangest feeling
The man expresses a strange feeling about the father's imminent return.
That your dad just might become home pretty soon
Instructions for the mother to prepare the father's room are repeated.
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