True And Trembling Brakeman

歌詞

Listen now while I tell you Of a story you do not know Of a true and trembling brakeman And to heaven he did go Do you see that train-a-coming Oh, it's through old Ninety-nine Oh, she's puffing and a-blowing For you know she is behind See that true and trembling brakeman As he signals to the cab There is but one chance for him And that chance is to grab See that true and trembling brakeman As the cars go rushing by If he misses that yellow freight car He is almost sure to die See that true and trembling brakeman As he falls beneath the train He had not one moment's warning Before he fell beneath the train See the brave young engineerman At the age of twenty-one Stepping down from upon his engine Crying, "Now what have I done!" "Is it true I killed a brakeman Is it true that he is dying? Lord, you know I tried to save him But I could not stop in time" See the car wheels rolling o'er him O'er his mangled body 'n' head See his sister bending o'er him Crying, "Brother, are you dead?" "Darling Sister, yes, I'm dying Going to a better shore Oh, my body's on a pathway I can never see no more" "Sister, when you see my brother These few words to him I send Tell him never to venture braking If he does, his life will end" These few words were sadly spoken Folding his arms across his breast And his heart now ceased beating And his eyes were closed in death