Listen now while I tell you
Of a story you do not know;
Of a true and trembling brakeman,
And to heaven he did go.
Do you see that train-a-coming,
Oh, it's (through) old Ninety-nine;
Oh, she's puffing and a-blowing,
For you know she is behind.
See that true and trembling brakeman,
As he signals to the cab;
There is but one chance for him,
And that is to grab.
See that true and trembling brakeman,
As the cars go rushing by;
If he miss that yellow freight car,
He is almost sure to die.
See that true and trembling brakeman,
As he falls beneath the train.
He had not one moment's warning,
Before he fell beneath the train.
See the brave young engineer man,
At the age of twenty-one;
Stepping down from upon his engine,
Crying, "Now what have I done!"
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"Is it true I killed a brakeman,
Is it true that he is dying?
Lord, you know I tried to save him,
But I could not stop in time."
See the car wheels rolling o'er him,
O'er his mangled body 'n' head;
See his sister bending o'er him,
Crying, "Brother, are you dead?"
Sighing, "Sister, yes, I'm dying,
Going to a better shore;
Oh, my body's on a pathway,
I can never see no more.
"Sister, when you see my brother,
These few words to him I send;
Tell him never to venture braking,
If he does, his life will end."
These few words were sadly spoken,
Folding his arms across his breast;
And his heart now ceased beating,
And his eyes were closed in death.
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