Lyrics
This country has a great history of railroads
This country values its history with railroads.
You know, goin' from one place to another
Traveling between different places is common.
And some of our country's finest citizens lived across the tracks
Important and respected people lived in areas near railroad tracks.
It was no big thing but the railroad had a lot to do with it
Railroads had a significant impact on shaping communities.
You probably wondering about what I'm talking right now
Introducing the topic and drawing attention to Elizabeth Cotton.
I'm talkin' about a lady named Elizabeth Cotton
Referring to a person named Elizabeth Cotton.
She wrote this song a long time ago when she was a young girl
She composed this song during her youth.
She's still playin' guitar today and I'm gonna sing a few lines for you
Despite the passage of time, she still plays guitar.
We love you Elizabeth, love you Elizabeth
Expressing admiration and love for Elizabeth Cotton.
Freight train, freight train goin' so fast
Describing the speed of a freight train.
Freight train, freight train goin' so fast
Repetition emphasizing the speed of the train.
I don't know what train I'm on
Uncertainty about the train's identity.
Won't you tell me where I'm goin'?
Asking for guidance or direction.
When I die bury me deep
Expressing a desire for burial at a specific location.
Down at the end of old Chestnut street
Naming a specific street for the burial.
Tell all the people that I've done gone
Informing others about leaving or passing away.
And where I've gone I just don't know
Uncertainty about the destination after death.
Freight train, freight train goin' so fast
Repetition emphasizing the speed of the train.
Freight train, freight train goin' so fast
Continued emphasis on the train's speed.
I don't know what train I'm on
Reiterating uncertainty about the train.
So won't you tell me where I'm goin'?
Requesting information or guidance about the destination.
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