One dark stormy night not a star was in sight

The north wind came howlin' down the line

There stood a brave engineer with his sweetheart so dear 

His orders to pull old No 9

She kissed him goodbye with a tear in her eye

But the joy in his heart he couldn't hide

The whole world seemed bright for she told him that night

That tomorrow she'd be his blushing bride

The wheels hummed a song as the train rolled along

The black smoke came a pouring from the stack

The headlight agleam seemed to brighten his dream

Of tomorrow when he'd be coming back

He sped 'round the hill and his brave heart stood still

Headlight was shining in his face

He whispered a prayer as he threw on the air

For he knew this would be his final race

[ guitar ]

In the wreck he was found lying there on the ground

He asked them to raise his weary head

His breath slowly went at this message he sent

To the maiden who thought she would be wed

There's a little white home that I built for our own

Where I dreamed we'd be happy you and I

But I leave it to you for I know you'll be true

Till we meet at the golden gate goodbye