Last Hobo
The Last Hobo: A Tale of Endless Wanderlust
Lyrics
He was born in International Falls a long, long time ago
Describes the birthplace of the protagonist in International Falls a long time ago.
Moved to Tucumcan when the ironwork got show
Relocation to Tucumcan due to a decline in ironwork opportunities.
He was cornbread and hard scrabble and scratching for every dime
Depicts the humble upbringing, hard work, and financial struggle of the protagonist.
Till he threw it in and he kilt the road to walk that endless line
Decided to abandon his current life to embark on a journey, metaphorically walking an endless line.
Now he's The Last Hobo
Repetition emphasizing the protagonist as 'The Last Hobo' riding the final boxcar on the last freight train, leaving his current place.
Riding the last boxcar
-On the last freight train
-Leaving here
-Now he's The Last Hobo
-Riding the last boxcar
-On the last freight train
-Away from here
-He tried his hand at lots of jobs
Highlights the protagonist's versatility in various jobs, with a significant emphasis on Ramona, whose departure leads to a loss of passion.
And he did 'em all with pride
-From shoeing mules to driving trucks,
-He mastered what he tried
-It must have been Ramona,
-She was all he cared about
-When she ran away and left him
-You could see the fire go out
-Now he's The Last Hobo
Reiteration of the protagonist's role as 'The Last Hobo,' riding the last boxcar on the last freight train, leaving his current location.
Riding the last boxcar
-On the last freight train
-Away from here
-We hardly ever see him
Portrays the infrequent appearances of the protagonist, usually passing through, asking about Ramona, indicating he is still searching for her.
Once or twice and he would stay a day or two
-He'd ask about Ramona
-Then he'd say that he was only passing through
-Now he knows every railroad bull along the right of way
Describes the protagonist's familiarity with railroad security ('bull') and various hobo locations, continuing the search for Ramona.
And every hobo jungle from New York to Santa Fe
-He's looked for his Ramona on the far side of the hill
-Now his sun is sinking lower and he's looking for her still
-Now he's The Last Hobo
Reiteration of the protagonist's status as 'The Last Hobo,' departing on the last boxcar of the last freight train, leaving his current place.
Riding the last boxcar
-On the last freight train
-Leaving from here
-Now he's The Last Hobo
Final repetition, emphasizing the protagonist's role as 'The Last Hobo,' riding the last boxcar on the last freight train, departing from the current location.
Riding the last boxcar
-On the last freight train
-Away from here
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