Well, my mama told me, my papa told me too
Now my mama told me, papa told me too
Well, I shouldn't be here trying to sing these railroad blues
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said!
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said!
Well, I wouldn't be here trying to sleep in this cold iron bed
[instrumental]
Well, I went to the depot, I never got there on time
Went down to the depot, never got there on time
Well, my train's going down, she's a-rolling down the line
Mister jailer, go away now, don't tell me no lies!
Mister jailer, go away, don't tell me no lies!
Well my train's going down, she's a-rolling down the line
[instrumental]
Well, my mama told me, my papa told me too
Now, my mama told me, papa told me too
Well, I shouldn't be here trying to sing these railroad blues
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said!
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said!
Well, I wouldn't be here trying to sleep in this cold iron bed