The Railroad
Journey of Labor and Love: Lee Hazlewood's Railroad Tales
Lyrics
Working on the railroad all day long
Expresses the labor-intensive nature of working on the railroad throughout the day.
Working on the railroad sing this song
Workers sing a song as a way to cope with the challenges and monotony of their job.
Sing about an old love I once knew
The singer reflects on a past romantic relationship, possibly suggesting a longing or nostalgia.
Sing about an old love maybe two
Indicates that there might have been multiple old loves in the singer's past.
Working on the railroad
Reiterates the continuous nature of working on the railroad.
Working on the railroad
Emphasizes the repetitive and ongoing nature of railroad work.
Work...work...working on the...railroad
Repetition of "work" underscores the intensity and rhythm of the labor on the railroad.
I drove a hot steel in my time
Shares the singer's experience of working with hot steel and consuming moonshine.
I drink a lot of stuff they call moonshine
References the consumption of homemade alcohol, adding a dimension to the worker's lifestyle.
I got me a woman in every town
Reveals the singer's promiscuous behavior, having a woman in every town.
Working on the railroad, never settle down
Expresses a lack of commitment and settling down due to the demands of railroad work.
Working on the railroad
Repeats the theme of continuous labor on the railroad.
Working on the railroad
Reiterates the ongoing nature of the worker's job.
Work...work...working on the...railroad
Repetition of "work" emphasizes the constant effort involved in railroad work.
I draw my pay on a Saturday night
Describes receiving wages on a Saturday night and engaging in potentially violent behavior in town.
Go in town and had start a fight
Highlights the rowdy nature of the worker's social activities.
Love me a woman a laugh and a joke
Expresses the enjoyment of socializing, laughter, and joking with women despite financial struggles.
Working on the railroad, always a broke
Associates financial difficulties with the continuous work on the railroad.
Working on the railroad
Repeats the theme of unending labor on the railroad.
Working on the railroad
Reiterates the constant and challenging nature of the worker's job.
Work...work...working on the... railroad
Repetition of "work" underscores the tireless effort put into railroad work.
When I die and you bury me
Expresses a desire to be buried alongside the railroad tracks upon death.
Alongside the tracks where I want to be
Specifies the preferred burial location, adding a personal touch to the singer's final wishes.
Don't you cry friend just remember this
Asks friends not to mourn and encourages them to remember the singer's life with positivity.
There ain't much you all 'body miss
Suggests that the singer doesn't expect to be missed much, possibly due to the transient nature of railroad life.
Working on the railroad
Repeats the theme of continuous labor on the railroad, even in the afterlife.
Working on the railroad
Reiterates the idea of ongoing work on the railroad beyond death.
Work...work...working on the...railroad
Repetition of "work" emphasizes the enduring nature of the railroad worker's labor.
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