The eastbound train was crowded one cold december day
The conductor shouted tickets in his old time fashioned way
A little girl in sadness, her hair as bright as gold
She said I have no ticket and then her story told
She said I have no ticket and then her story told

My father he's in prison, he's lost his sight they say
I'm going to beg his pardon this cold december day

My mother's daily sewing to try to earn our bread
While poor old blind daddy in prison almost dead
While poor old blind daddy in prison almost dead

My brother and my sister would be both be very glad
If I could only bring back my poor dear old blind dad

The conductor did not answer, he could not make reply
Then taking his rough hand and wiping the tear drops from his eyes

He said god bless you little one just stay right where you are
You'll never need a ticket while I am on this car
You'll never need a ticket while I am on this car