19 years young I had the world ahead of me Streets paved with gold was all I could see But as I got older all that gold turned to brass So I started to dread my hair and started smokin' grass. I walked across my town to where the trains were parked I sat and watched and waited til one rolled after dark. I hoped up on that freight train and rode it out of town Without a care or worry as I drank my whiskey down. (Chorus) Freight train, freight train goin so fast Puttin me to sleep as she rattles down the track Wake up on the rails I don't know where I've been I'm ridin on that train I don't care where I'm goin Met up with Boxcar Red in a dirty Reno yard He told me "go back home son, you've wandered off too far" Ol Red was a Scotsman descended from Macbeth He rode the backs of rattlers til he took his last breath. My other friend who rode the rails never made it home But he died doin' what he loved and all he'd ever known. I know it's a hard life, and it ain't for you or me But ridin rails – I promise – you won't ever feel so free. (Chorus) Well I was ridin back from Reno with the sun on my back I made Red a promise I'd stay off the tracks. And every now and then I dream of catchin out But I know I'll find the ghost or Red somewhere on my route. Freight train, freight train, goin so fast Puttin me to sleep as she rattles down the tracks Wake up on the rails I don't know where I've been I'm ridin on that train I don't care if its the end!

Miles of open road between the two of us Thumbin on down the line – my clothes all covered in dust By the time I get to be by your side, I'll be too tired to move. Been movin my feet for three straight days but I'd like to see you soon. (Chorus) I've got one sip left of my whiskey, a half empty bottle of gin. Down this road about a hundred times but I wont be back again. I've got nothing left that I can call my own I'm headed back to you my Darlin, cuz thats where I call home. I walked on down the road and saw the mountains covered in snow. I hope you've got that fire going to warm our little home. Don't set me a plate for dinner tonight – just leave a bit on the stove. I'll make you a promise right here, my love, it's the last time you'll eat alone. (Chorus) I walked into our town, and the birds all started to sing. I wonder what you might say when I get you that wedding ring. You looked so good when you were in my dreams, but now you're standing right there in the door. After all these places and all these towns there's no one I want to see more. (Chorus)