So Long Train Whistle - Merle Haggard, The Strangers

Daddy’s been a railroad man

Since he was twenty-one

Two yers of Britty ship

Beakmen on the Denver run.

Thirty he made fireman

Thirty-five an engineer

Now at sixty-five

He’s reached the end of his career.

Daddy said he’s glad it’s over

But he ain’t foolin' me

Last night I overheard him singing

This sad old melody.

So long train whistle

So long hmm-hmm

This near generation

Has no need for you or I.

We both served the nation

Long before it learned to fly

Nothing last forever

Now it’s our turn to die.

Lord hear that whistle cry.

Daddy’s not the only one

The railroad lines are fired

And New York Central Limited

Long since been retired.

The Chief is gone from Santa Fe

The SP Lark as well

I’m soon to rest to leave the rails

Lord only time you tell.

I know that you can’t stop progress

New things happen every day

We gonna mourn that lonely whistle

If it finally fades away.

So long train whistle.

So long hmm-hmm

This near generation

Has no need for you or I.

Mhm mhm hear that whistle cry, mhm mhm…