Had my mind all worried – when I tried to sleep last night When a hand upon my shoulder – gave me a little fright A stranger by my bedside said – I like your company I found what I've been looking for – you gonna ride with me Better get yourself ready son – cause I've made up my mind To ride that long black train – til the end of the line As we stepped on board I knew – trouble's waiting round the bend The devil deals in dying – he deals bloody hand Your whole life's saving is at stake – win or loose, no one can tell You better know your cards son – and you better play them well You can start the game my friend – soon's the dealing's done All you got is your backbone – and your luck to lean on I pulled out diamond seven – next up was diamond nine They're my lucky numbers – I guess I'm doing fine Seven wonders in the world – seven days in the week Seven ships with snowwhite sails – sail the seven seas You've made your point, the stranger said – but one thing I must tell There's nine coaches on this train – destination hell Hellbound – hellbound – this train is on a oneway track – can't no one turn her 'round Nine dragons guard nine fiery gates – they let you through the door When you've run out of aces – and you can't bluff no more He grins, lays down the ace of spades – and a jolly joker too
Better find a helping hand son – before this game is through I sense my time is running out – just one more card to go I know I have to push my luck – play the best card that I know I put down the queen of hearts – she's been my friend from old She used to bring me loving – bring me diamonds, bring me gold My companion's face turns hard as stone – lays down the king of spades He's the prince of darkness – carries an ice-cold blade Your race is run, your time is up – winner takes it all my friend Your queen of hearts can't help you none – my king rules in this land Hellbound – hellbound – this train is on a oneway track – can't no one turn her 'round I'm in despair, my odds are down – when the queen looks up and smiles A heart is stronger than a blade – love will survive He's bluffing you, you better jump – you must step down in time Before the final station – the last stop on the line He curses as she pulls the break – the wheels start slowing down I jump and start a-running – soon's my feet touch solid ground His curse still ringing in my ear – I'm heading for the light When I hear a whistle blowing – and the train pulls out of sight Hellbound – hellbound – this train is on a oneway track – can't no one turn her 'round 2X