Short Line Rag
Eric Allen Lyrics
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Chuggin' right along, but you better watch out
cause the Union and Central pickin' up the pace
This old train, she a rollin' south
Chuggin' right along, but you better watch out
cause the Transcontinental gonna run this old train away
This old train started haulin'
Wounded souls, hosses, and hope
climbed aboard
Firin's stopped, rebuildin's started
now around '69
they ain't gon want her 'round no more
Well now this old train she's a black smoke mama
Got a fire in her belly
put up a
mighty fight
But they ain't gonna wanna hear this
short line runnin' lord
with that lonesome whine
callin' out all night
Way out in Promontory Point was a
heck of a sight
when the silver hammer drove the golden spike
Well that old man Crocker he done
won his bet
But that poor old train a cryin' a cryin' all night
Lord cryin' cryin' if I had me a
longer track
Could haul em' uphill lord
forward and back
Might not be so pretty, but I can
get the job done
Gotta find me a trunk line for a longer run.
Wish I could hook up with that
Kansas City line
She runs from way out east lord and she's
pretty close by
But that Mo-ssouri River ain't got no bridge
and they ain't no track over on the other side
Lord they ain't no track way over on the other side
Nah sir
This old train, she's a rollin' south
Chuggin' right along, but you better watch out
cause the Central Pacific layin' 10 miles a day
This old train, she's a rollin' south
Chuggin' right along, but you better watch out
cause the Transcontinental gonna run this old train away
Lord the Transcontinental gonna run this old train away now
Said the Overland Route gonna take this old train away
The lyrics of Eric Allen's "Short Line Rag" tell the story of an old train that is facing competition and potential displacement by more advanced and efficient railroad lines. The train is described as rolling south, chugging along steadily, but the song warns that the Union and Central railroads are picking up the pace, and the Transcontinental is set to overshadow this old train.
The second paragraph gives some historical context to the train's existence. It mentions that the train started operating around 1954 and carried people with wounded souls and hopes. The lyrics suggest that the train was a symbol of resilience and rebuilding during a time of turmoil, possibly referring to the reconstruction period after World War II. However, as the year approaches 1969, it becomes apparent that the train's presence may no longer be wanted or appreciated.
The third paragraph uses vivid imagery to describe the train's struggle to compete. It personifies the train as a "black smoke mama" with fire in its belly, representing its power and determination. Despite its fight and its unique characteristic of the "lonesome whine" that echoes through the night, the song suggests that the train's short line running may not be well-received or valued by the larger railroads.
The final paragraph explores the train's desire for a longer track and a connection with the Kansas City line. It mentions the proximity of the line and acknowledges the limitation presented by the Missouri River, which lacks a bridge and prevents the train from moving beyond. The lyrics express a longing for a trunk line, a main railroad route, that would allow the train to have a more extensive and meaningful role.
Overall, "Short Line Rag" reflects the struggles of an old train facing obsolescence in the wake of progress and competition from larger, more efficient railroad lines. The lyrics capture a sense of nostalgia, longing, and the fear of being left behind in an evolving world where faster and more advanced transportation options are emerging.
Lyrics © Verse One Media LLC
Written by: Eric Allen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind