A little child on a sickbed lay, And d**h was very near. He was the pride and the only child of a railroad engineer. His duty had called him from those he loved, And seeing that hope was dim. While a tear he shed to his wife he said, "Just have two lanterns trimmed." Just hang a light when I pa** tonight. Hang it where it can be seen. If the baby's dead then show the red. If he's better then show the green. In a little shack, By the railroad track, A mother with watchful eyes. Saw a gleam of hope in a tender smile, As the train went rushing by, Just one short look, Was his only chance? To see the light a gleam. In the midnight air their rose a prayer. Thank god the light was green. Just hang a light when I pa** tonight. Hang it where it can be seen. If the baby's dead then show the red. If he's better then show the green.