Western Hobo is a traditional song better known as "Wild and Reckless Hobo" or "The Railroad Bum." The Carters 1929 title is surely to avoid copyright issues. George Reneau's 1925 recording "Wild and Reckless Hobo" is the first.

Meade lumps the song into the vast "Ten Thousand Miles from Home" group whic is Laws H2. The famous Jimmie Rodgers song "Waiting For the Train" is one of the best known versions. Rodgers like the Carters used traditional verses to craft his songs. The song is also related to Danville Girl.

WESTERN HOBO- Carter Family 1929

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

The wild, western hobo
Who left his happy home
Started upon a western trip
All by himself alone
Upon this western trip
Going to have lots of fun
But upon this western trip
This is the song he sung

    Ay-oh-lay-ee-oh, oh-lay-ee-ay
    Oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I stepped up on a platform
Smoking a cheap cigar
Waiting to catch a freight train
To catch an empty car
I buttoned my coat up closely
Walked on down the track
I caught the steps of a sleeper car
I never did look back

    Ay-oh-lay-ee-oh, oh-lay-ee-ay
    Oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

My pocketbook is empty
My heart is filled with pain
10,000 miles away from home
Hoboing an old freight train

    Ay-oh-lay-ee
    Ay-oh-lay-ee
    Oh-ah-lay-ee