Thanks, Dave. Yep, that was the most common version given in The Long Steel Rail. There were others that had to do with soldiers returning from the war etc.

There's a 2nd edition of Long Steel Rail currently in print. clicky at Amazon

A wonderful book! Highly recommended for people who love folk songs, and/or railroad (railway?) songs.

Don't buy it at Amazon, though, if you have a locally-owned bookshop nearby. Please support your local independent bookseller!

Alex
O..O
=o=