Railroad Bill
Ramblin' Jack Elliott · Other Songs - Ramblin' Jack Elliott
He never worked, and he never will,
And it's ride, ride, ride.
Railroad Bill's a mighty mean man
Shot the light out of the poor brakeman's hand
Railroad Bill, up on a hill
Lightin' a seegar with a ten-dollar bill.
Railroad Bill took my wife,
If I didn't like it, gonna take my life.
Goin' on a mountain, goin' out west
Thirty-eight special stickin' out of my vest.
Buy me a pistol just as long as my arm
Shoot everybody ever done me harm.
Got a thirty-special in a forty-five frame,
I can't miss 'cause I got dead aim.
Railroad Bill, he ain't so bad
Whupped his mama, shot his old dad.
Early one morning, standing in the rain
Round the bend come a long freight train.
Railroad Bill a-comin' home soon
Killed McMillan by the light of the moon
McMillan had a special train
When they got there they was prayin'
Kill me a chicken, send me the wing
They think I'm workin', Lord, I ain't doin' a thing.
Kill me a chicken, send me the head,
Think I'm workin', Lord, I'm layin' in bed.
Gonna drink my whiskey, drink it in the wind
The doctor said it'd kill me but he didn't say when.
Thanks to razvan
Railroad Bill
Ramblin' Jack Elliott's "Railroad Bill" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery of traditional folk and blues, delivered with the characteristic warmth and storytelling prowess that defined his career. Recorded as part of his extensive discography, the track captures the gritty, working-class spirit of the American South, a theme Elliott explored throughout his influential body of work. As a prominent figure in the folk revival, Elliott often performed this song alongside other staples like "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," weaving together acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies that resonated deeply with audiences. The recording reflects the era's emphasis on preserving oral traditions and social commentary, showcasing Elliott's ability to transform historical narratives into compelling musical experiences that continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike.