1: Old Rueben had a train he put it on the track
Said he’d run it til the Lord knows when.
You oughta been in town when old Rueben’s train come round, You could hear the whistle blow !00 miles.
2: On the first day of the year old Rueben came up here
and he never been back home since that day.
I give him a raise in rent laid old Rueben in the shade
I started me a graveyard of my own
3: What did the hobo say to the bum got any cornbread save my son Lord I’ve never been so hungry in my life.
What did the hobo say to the tramp the road is muddy and the way is damp
Oh Lord I’m 900 miles from my home.
4: I’m walking down this track I’ve got tears in my eyes
I’m tryin to read a letter from my home
If my woman says so I’ll railroad no more I’ll sidetrack my train and I’ll go home.
5: Well I’ve been to the east and I’ve been to the west
I’m going where them chilly winds don’t blow.
And if my train runs me right I’ll see my woman on a Friday night. Lord I’m 900 miles from my home.