Hard work, low pay, tired aching back
Earning by the sweat on my brow
12 full hours in this manmade hole

Doin' what they taught me how

Chorus


I'm a spike drivin' railway son-of-a-gun
Working on the southern line

14 miles through this mountain side
Working with sweet Carrie on my mind


The boss man's mean he's full of hate
Livin' on the workers sweat
The steaks he eats keeps him good and fat

Soup beans is all we get

Chorus


From daylight to dark we work in the tunnel
Scared of a bad cave-in

Ain't got enough eat to or money to buy with
No insurance for our kin


Chorus 2x