Hard work, low pay, tired aching back
Earning by the sweat on my brow
12 full hours in this manmade hole
Doin' what they taught me how

I'm a spike drivin' railway son-of-a-gun
Working on the southern line
14 miles through this mountain side
Working with sweet Carrie on my mind

The boss man's mean he's full of hate
Livin' on the workers sweat
The steaks he eats keeps him good and fat
Soup beans is all we get

From daylight to dark we work in the tunnel
Scared of a bad cave-in
Ain't got enough eat to or money to buy with
No insurance for our kin