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The baby's eyes are red from weeping
It's little heart is filled with pain
And Daddy cried they're taking Mama
Away from us on the evening train
I heard the laughter at the depot
But my tears fell like the rain
When I saw them place that long white casket
In the baggage coach of the evening train
As I turned to walk away from the depot
It seemed I heard her call my name
Take care of baby and tell him darling
That I'm going home on the evening train
I pray that God will give me courage
To carry on 'til we meet again
It's hard to know she's gone forever
They're carrying her home on the evening train
It's little heart is filled with pain
And Daddy cried they're taking Mama
Away from us on the evening train
I heard the laughter at the depot
But my tears fell like the rain
When I saw them place that long white casket
In the baggage coach of the evening train
As I turned to walk away from the depot
It seemed I heard her call my name
Take care of baby and tell him darling
That I'm going home on the evening train
I pray that God will give me courage
To carry on 'til we meet again
It's hard to know she's gone forever
They're carrying her home on the evening train
Lyrics submitted by sens_freak_18
On the Evening Train Lyrics as written by Hank Williams Sr. Audrey Williams
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I'm surprised no one's commented on this. It's such a moving song.
Johnny Cash had a knack for taking the songs other people had written (in the American Recordings) and making them his own. Personal Jesus and Hurt are obvious examples. Though the lyrics remain the same, the meaning is changed completely when Cash sings them.
In this case, the meaning doesn't take much explaining. I don't know much about Hank Williams' life, but when Cash sings this song, it's clearly about June Carter, his wife and best friend; who died shortly before he did.
American V is an amazing album. I've never heard any more touching album; as Johnny deals with loss, grief, hope and faith in his old age. If you haven't heard it, please listen to it.
I agree with AgentGabbit, all of Cash's coversongs change meaning when he sings them. This song is so beautiful, I almost tear up when I hear it.
This song is so beautifully sad. The way ole Johnny sings makes me choke up everytime.
this is one of the saddest songs on the album, because i know he's singing about june.
Yep, it's one of the most touching pieces I've heard from any artist. I've heard it over and over and over again, but when I start to sing it to myself I can't help but imagine what would happen if my wife died and my kids were grieving like that. I usually tear up, and it's a fight to keep it at that.