Transcribed by me from the sound recording at The Library of Congress American Memory Collection. Doubtful or missing words or phrases are marked (?).

THE T AND P LINE
(As sung by Mrs. Mary Sullivan; recorded at Smiths Corners in Shafter FSA Camp; from "Voices from the Dust Bowl: The Charles L. Todd and Robert Sonkin Migrant Worker Collection, 1940-1941")

I left there one beautiful night.
The stars in the heavens was shining bright.
I was riding the bumpers, which suited me fine,
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line.

I landed in Welford (?) about three p. m.
The cops watched me and I watched them.
I made them no effort; I give them no sign
That I had been bumming on the T and P Line.

I decided to dress up in style,
Not look like a bummer, no, not by a mile.
Rear back on my budget (?), give each man a dime,
And that would beat bumming on the T and P Line.

A ten-dollar suit and a five-dollar hat,
A high-standing collar and a fine cravat,
A new pair of boots, how the leather did shine!
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line.

I met up with a man by the name of Will Wright.
He says, "I will hire you if you will work right."
"Well, I will work right and put in good time,
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line."

I got in the wagon and home with him went.
The work he gave me God to me had sent.
The work it was easy and it suited me fine,
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line.

Will Wright had a daughter at the age of sixteen,
The fairest and prettiest that ever I seen,
And when I was with her, I was always on time,
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line.

Me and Ethel begin to chat.
I helped the other rigs (?) do this and do that.
Her kisses were sweet and her features was fine,
Much better than the handouts on the T and P Line.

I was called to the office, to the office one day.
Will Wright says, "What's this I hear the folks say?
They say you're a bummer all dressed up for blind, (?)
That you have been bumming on the T and P Line."

"Well, I don't know as that concerns you.
I do all the work you require me to do.
If my work it don't suit you, just give me my time,
And I'll remain bumming on the T and P Line."

I went by the house to bid Ethel farewell.
The grief and the sorrow no tongue can ne'er tell.
There were tears in her eyes and so were in mine.
She says, "You're no bummer on the T and P Line."

I struck out right down the highway.
I could think of nothing but Ethel that day.
I love her till ... (?) and I'll see her sometime
If I have to bum my way on the T and P Line.