Gone Dead Train

(album: Expect No Mercy - 1977)

It's a gone dead train
Yes, it's a gone dead train

My engine was pumping steam
And I was grinding at you hard and fast
Burning down the rails, trying to heat the way
Hauling ass and riding up the track
And I laughed at the conductor who was telling me my coal
It would never last

But then the fire in my boiler
Up and quit before I came
Ain't no empty cellar
Like a gone dead train

Once was at a time when I could
Mama shave 'em dry
And raise a fever ice-down chill
Waiting at the station
With a heavy loaded sack
Saving up and holding just to spill
Shooting my supply through my demon's eye
Instead of holding my time, I hope I will

But then the fire in my boiler
Up and quit before I came
There ain't no empty cellar
Needs a gone dead train

Yes it's a gone dead train
I'm gonna teach it to learn now, now
It's a gone dead train
Yes it's a gone dead train
I'm gonna teach it to learn now, now
It's a gone dead train
Gonna teach it, gonna teach it to learn

There ain't no easy day
When your daily run's a downhill pull
And there ain't no easy way
Wishing for some jelly roll
There ain't no switch been made
To make your juicy lemon find
A spring to run a dry well full

But then the fire in my boiler
Up and quit before I came
Ain't no empty cellar
Needs a gone dead train

Yes it's a gone dead train
I'm gonna teach it to learn
You know it's a gone dead train
Gonna teach it, gonna teach it to burn
It's a gone dead train
It's a gone dead train, you gotta learn
It's a gone dead train
Gonna teach it, gonna teach it, gonna teach it to burn.