This is very similar to the version posted by Mrr above; however, I carefully checked these words against a recording. This version trims a lot of unnecessary syllables, which, if included, would mess up the bouncy rhythm, in my opinion.


THE RAILROAD BOOMER
Written by Carson Robison
As recorded by Carson Robison & Frank Luther, 1929.

Come and gather all around me; listen to my tale of woe.
Got some good advice to give you, lot o' things you oughta know.
Take a tip from one who's traveled, never stopped a-ramblin' 'round.
You're li'ble to get the wandrin' fever; you'll never want to settle down.
Met a little gal in Frisco; asked her if she'd be my wife.
Told her I was tired of roamin'; said I'd settle down for life.
Then I heard a whistle blowin'; knew it was a red-ball train.
Left her standin' by the railroad; never seen that gal again.
Never seen that gal again.

Wandered all around this country; yes, I traveled ev'rywhere.
Been on every branch-line railroad; never paid a nickel fare.
Been from Maine to California, Canada to Mexico.
Never tried to save no money; now I got to place to go.
Listen to a boomer's story; don't forget the things I say.
I hear another train a-comin', and I'll soon be on my way.
If you want to do a favor, when I lay me down and die,
Dig my grave beside a railroad so I can hear the trains go by,
So I can hear the trains roll by.