I went down to the railroad yard, watch that train come by,
Knew the train would roll that day, but I did not know what time. 

I did not know what time, boys, did not know what time. 
Knew the train would roll that day but I did not know what time. 

Good morning Mister Railroad Man, what time does your train roll by? 
Nine-sixteen and two-forty-four, twenty-five minutes 'til five. 

At nine-sixteen, two-forty-four, twenty-five minutes 'til five. 
Thank you Mister Railroad Man, I wanna watch your train roll by. 

Standing on the platform, smoking a big cigar, 
Waitin' for some old freight train that carries an empty car. 

I rode her down to Danville Town, got stuck on a Danville girl, 
Bet your life she was a pearl, she wore that Danville curl. 

She wore her hat on the back of her head like high-tone people all do, 
Very next train come down taht track, I bid that girl adieu. 

I bid that girl adieu, poor boys, I bid that girl adieu, 
The very next train come down that track, I bid that girl adieu.