TENNESSEE LOCAL
(Steve and Ed G. Nelson, Jimmy Dupree)

The Tennessee Local is a slow-movin' train,
But folks in Tennessee never seem to complain;
They like a slow ride,
So they can see the countryside.
I said the Tennessee Local is a smokey little pokey little train.

You never have to worry 'bout it jumpin' the track,
They oil it with molasses, that's what's holdin' it back;
They like a slow ride,
So they can see the countryside.
I said the Tennessee Local is a smokey little pokey little train.

It chuffs along and huffs along an old rusty rail, (hugs and chugs?)
It stops at every hamlet to deliver the mail;
It slows at every crossing when it comes to the bend,
The engineer gets off and has a chat with a friend.

You count the cows and chickens as your ride on your way,
You read the Burma signs and understand what they say;
'Cause it's a slow train,
But you can see the whole terrain,
I said the Tennessee Local is a smokey little pokey little train.

[Instrumental]

It chugs along and hugs along an old rusty rail,
It stops at every hamlet to deliver the mail;
The boiler leaks, the engine squeaks, the seats are all loose,
But the Tennessee Local has a classy caboose.

You count the cows and chickens as your ride on your way,
You read the Burma signs and understand what they say;
'Cause it's a slow train,
But you can see the whole terrain,
I said the Tennessee Local is a smokey little pokey little train.
I said the Tennessee Local is a smokey little pokey little train.

Transcribed from the 1951 Capitol recording
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6wQSmgbd7Y

A later Tennessee Ernie Ford recording has slightly different lyrics.