CHILDREN OF THE RAILWAY
(Composed prior to 1971; from manuscript held by B. Burke)Jimmy took him to the engine
for his birthday (Now he’s seven)
He was lifted to the footplate
and it might have been to Heaven.
Said his Daddy “Come on, young ’un
and I’ll show you what you’re missin’
Hang on tight now, in the tender –
Now, lad, what d’you think of THIS!?”
- Step it out lightly, locomotive.
For I saw him as he smiled …
Step it out lightly, locomotive.
With the heart of a Railway child.
“It’s a ‘Good life’ on the Railway”
Now they’re both of them decided.
When you’re living by the Railway
you’ll be always “Well provided”
though it’s often that you’re parted …
Said his mother when we wedded
“He’s a good lad, is our Jimmy –
’cept he’s wed to an Engine Shed!”
- Step it out lightly, locomotive.
That’s the prayer of a Railway wife.
Step it out lightly, locomotive.
with your share of a Railway life.
Just an hour ago this evening
when the clock it struck a warning.
“Time for bed for YOU, young feller,
and I’ll see you in the morning
Time to go, love. Where’s me tea-can?
Jimmy looked at me and smiled
“It’s a good life on the Railway …!”
Over the head of a Railway Child.
- Step it out lightly, locomotive!
Jimmy looked at me and smiled
“It’s a ‘good life’ on the Railway …!”
(“Over-the-head” of a Railway Child)
Now I’m by him as he’s sleeping
and the house is gently shaken
by the train for which we’re waiting.
I can guess the track HE’S taken …
For I feel the heart a-beating
in this body I’m caressing
- as the engine shrills a greeting
From “Our Dad” on the night express.
… Step it out lightly, locomotive.
for I watched him as he smiled.
Step it out lightly, locomotive.
with the dreams of a Railway child …
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