Crazy Engineer
Hank Snow · Railroad Man [RCA Victor] [1963]
(Joe Steen)
The black smoke stack was barking the steam made them pistons groan
And behind that screaming whistle you could hear that engine moan
The train was reeling and rocking the passangers were screaming with fear
For the train was being driven by a crazy engineer.
I'm driving this engine up to the moon
He laughed as the train sped on
Then from the lips of the mad man came
A crazy railroad song.
--- Instrumental ---
Then out from the blind crept Hobo Bill he was stealing a ride that day
I've rode the blinds on many a train they never traveled this way
He climbed over the bend into the engine cab those passangers lives to save
Then while he fought with the mad man his weary life he gave.
(Poor Bill spoke in a whisper
This was all they could hear)
I've rode my last railroad ride
With a crazy engineer...
The black smoke stack was barking the steam made them pistons groan
And behind that screaming whistle you could hear that engine moan
The train was reeling and rocking the passangers were screaming with fear
For the train was being driven by a crazy engineer.
I'm driving this engine up to the moon
He laughed as the train sped on
Then from the lips of the mad man came
A crazy railroad song.
--- Instrumental ---
Then out from the blind crept Hobo Bill he was stealing a ride that day
I've rode the blinds on many a train they never traveled this way
He climbed over the bend into the engine cab those passangers lives to save
Then while he fought with the mad man his weary life he gave.
(Poor Bill spoke in a whisper
This was all they could hear)
I've rode my last railroad ride
With a crazy engineer...
Crazy Engineer
Hank Snow's 'Crazy Engineer' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery of country storytelling and yodeling. Recorded for RCA Victor in 1963 on the album Railroad Man, the track showcases Snow's ability to blend traditional folk themes with a polished, radio-ready production. The song reflects the era's fascination with the American West and the rugged individualism often found in his catalog. With its distinctive vocal delivery and melodic structure, the recording exemplifies the high standards of country music during the early 1960s, cementing Snow's reputation as a leading figure in the genre.