This is how it is in Scalded to Death...

Remember the Church Hill tunnel
Near a mile under Richmond
There's a story i want to tell you
Of a train that'll never be found

(chorus)

Brothers keep shovelin',
Pickin' in the ground,
Brothers keep listenin'
For the train that's never been found.

On a bleak afternoon in autumn
When the skies were overcast
A train and its crew were working
In the tunnel performing their tasks.

None ever dreamed of danger,
Of a death that was hoverin' near-
They were happy while they were working
For the loved ones home so dear.

When all of a sudden a tremble,
A large gap in the slimy clay-
Then the earth claimed a few in its clutches,
In the darkness the rest groped their way.

Many shovels and picks were diggin'
For their pal in the buried train-
But the cold slimy clay held its victims,
Soon their hopes were found in vain.

Many hours did they search for their comrades
Who might live in a cold, cold cave,
But they never found one who was living
Way down in their untimely grave.

It doen't seem to scan very well to me, but I'm not very familiar with Virginian tropes. No doubt the composer had a specific tune in mind.

Bobert's song on the other hand presses\all the buttons.