Pouring rain has grounded All the planes out of Louisville, Kentucky So I bought me a railway ticket I had to close a deal in New Orleans When a hobo by the track Said he was going to ride the rails to Arizona I had to fight the tears That weld up in me [CHORUS:] Cause a ragged old hobo Is really better off than me He ain't nothing but a hobo But he's livin' his hobo dreams I got a brand new car and a house a good 'ol job In the suburbs of St. Louie And the woman in the gateway to the west She made me everything I am
But my three-piece suit is gettin' tight The walls are closin' in down at the office Lord I've been too cautious With all my best laid plans [CHORUS] Said son you outta come along and watch The eagle's fly in Arizona You'll never see an eagle fly With neon light reflecting off his wings As he climbed into the rail car His last words echoed back like crashing thunder Lord if I was younger Well I'd ride me a different train [CHORUS] He ain't nothing but a hobo But he's livin' his hobo dreams