"Old Time River Man"

Where does an old time river man go
After he's passed away?
Does his soul still keep a watch on the deep
For the rest of the river days?
Does he then come back as a channel cat
Or the wasps that light on the wheel?
Or the birds that fly through a summer sky
Or the fish swimming under the keel?

Where does an old time pilot go
After he's stood his last watch?
Does he fall by the ear of the man who steers
Saying hold her on that notch
There's a gentle sneeze in the river breeze
Saying son I'm goin to bed.
And they light their pipes and go off in the night
Or was that fireflies instead?

Where does an old time engineer go
After he's cooled her down?
Gone up the hill to never come back,
On the quiet side of town.
Does his soul live on in the engine songs
While the striker checks the gears?
Is he still afloat on an old steam boat
After he's gone from here?