Lyrics
The longest train I ever saw
The speaker recalls seeing the longest train on the Georgia line.
Went down that Georgia line
The train mentioned in line 1 traveled along the Georgia railroad.
The engine went by at six o'clock
The engine of the train passed by at 6 o'clock.
And the cab went by at nine
The cab (rear part) of the train passed by at 9 o'clock.
In the pines
Describes the setting "In the pines" where the sun never shines, and it's cold when the north wind blows, creating a somber atmosphere.
In the pines
-The sun never shines
-And we shiver
-When the north wind blows
-Well I asked the captain
The speaker asks the captain for the time, and the captain reveals he threw his watch away, suggesting a sense of timelessness or loss of time.
For the time of day
-He said he
-Threw his watch away
-A long steel rail
Mentions a long steel rail and short cross tie, possibly symbolizing the harsh journey home.
And a short cross tie
-And I'm on my
-Way back home
-In the pines
Reiterates the desolate atmosphere "In the pines" where the sun doesn't shine, and people shiver when the north wind blows.
In the pines
-The sun never shines
-And we shiver
-When the north wind blows
-Little girl
The speaker addresses a little girl, questioning what they have done to be treated poorly. Expresses sorrow, weeping, and leaving home due to the girl's actions.
Little girl
-What have I done
-That makes you treat me this way
-Well you have caused
-Me to weep
-You caused me to moan
-You caused me to leave my home
-In the pines
Reiterates the cold and desolate nature "In the pines" when the north wind blows.
In the pines
-The sun never shines
-And we shiver
-When the north wind blows
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