Hey Porter
Journey Southward: Marty Stuart's Lyrical Tale on a Train
Lyrics
Hey Porter, hey Porter, would you tell me the time
Asking the train porter for the current time.
How much longer will it be 'til we cross that Mason-Dixon line
Seeking information on when they will cross the Mason-Dixon line, a symbolic boundary between the North and the South in the United States.
When we hit Dixie would you tell that engineer to ring his bell
Requesting the porter to signal the engineer when they enter the southern states (Dixie).
And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell
Asking everyone who is awake to stand and yell as a sign of excitement or anticipation.
Hey Porter, hey Porter, what time did you say
Reiterating the inquiry about the time from the porter.
How much longer will it be 'til I can see the light of day
Expressing impatience to see daylight and cross into the South.
When we hit Dixie would you tell that engineer to slow it down
Instructing the engineer to slow down upon entering the southern states.
Better still just stop the train 'cause I'd like to look around
Alternatively, suggesting stopping the train to allow for a closer look at the surroundings.
Hey Porter, hey Porter, it's gettin' light outside
Noticing the approaching daylight and the strain of looking out for it.
This old train is puffin' smoke and I have to strain my eyes
Describing the train emitting smoke as they approach their destination.
But ask that engineer if he would blow his whistle please
Requesting the engineer to blow the whistle for atmosphere and ambiance.
I smell frost on cotton leaves and I feel that southern breeze
Sensing the changing environment, smelling frost and feeling a southern breeze.
Hey Porter, hey Porter, get my bags for me
Asking the porter to prepare their bags as they believe they are in Tennessee.
I need nobody to tell me now that we're in Tennessee
Expressing a personal realization of being in Tennessee.
Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream
Instructing the engineer to make a loud whistle sound as they approach their home.
We're gettin' close to home so take it easy on the steam
Advising the engineer to ease off on the steam since they are nearing their destination.
Hey Porter, hey Porter, please open up the door
Asking the porter to open the door in anticipation of getting off the train.
When they stop this train, I'm gonna get off first 'cause I can't wait no more
Expressing eagerness to be the first to disembark due to impatience.
Tell that engineer I said thanks a lot and I didn't mind the fair
Thanking the engineer for the journey and expressing satisfaction with the fare.
Gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air
Anticipating stepping onto southern soil and enjoying the southern air.
Hey Porter, hey Porter, would you tell me the time
Repeating the request for the current time from the porter.
How much longer will it be 'til we cross that Mason-Dixon line
Reiterating the question about when they will cross the Mason-Dixon line.
When we hit Dixie would you tell that engineer to ring his bell
Asking the porter to signal the engineer when entering Dixie once again.
Ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell
Repeating the request for everyone awake to stand and yell in excitement.
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