I've Been Working On the Railroad
Cedarmont Kids Lyrics
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All the live long day
I've been working on the railroad
Just to pass the time away
Don't you hear the whistle blowin'
Rise up so early in the morn
Don't you hear the captain shouting
Dinah blow your horn
Dinah won't you blow
Dinah won't you blow
Dinah won't you blow your ho-o-o-orn
Dinah won't you blow
Dinah won't you blow
Dinah won't you blow your horn
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Someone's in the kitchen I know oh-oh-oh
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Strumming on the old banjo
Fee fi fiddle e I o
Fee fi fiddle e I o-o-o-o
Fee fi fiddle e I o
Strumming on the old banjo
Strumming on the old banjo
The song "I've Been Working On The Railroad" is a folk song that was first published as sheet music with the title "Levee Song" in the 1890s, but its origins date back to the mid-19th century when African American slaves used to sing it while laying tracks for railroads. The song has been passed down through generations and has become a classic tune that is well-loved by both children and adults alike. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a railroad worker who works tirelessly throughout the day, just to pass the time away. The rhythm of the song is light and catchy, and it features a repetitive chorus that is easy to sing along to, making it a popular tune to teach to young children.
The lyrics of the song are full of imagery that depict life on the railroad. The worker's day begins very early in the morning when they hear the whistle blowing, signaling the start of a new workday. The captain of the railroad is heard shouting as he encourages the workers to keep working hard. The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part, where Dinah is asked to blow her horn - a reference to a steam engine's whistle. The final verse of the song changes the focus from the railroad workers to someone who is strumming a banjo in the kitchen while singing along to the tune, adding a touch of whimsy to the overall feel of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been working on the railroad
I have been laboring on the railway.
All the live long day
Throughout the entire day, continuously and tirelessly.
Just to pass the time away
As a way to spend the hours while avoiding boredom.
Don't you hear the whistle blowin'
Can you not hear the sound of the whistle blowing?
Rise up so early in the morn
Getting up extremely early in the morning.
Don't you hear the captain shouting
Have you not heard the captain's voice yelling?
Dinah blow your horn
Dinah, please sound your horn.
Dinah won't you blow
Dinah, will you not please sound your horn?
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Another person is in the kitchen with Dinah.
Someone's in the kitchen I know oh-oh-oh
I am aware that someone is in the kitchen.
Strumming on the old banjo
Playing music on an old banjo.
Fee fi fiddle e I o
A nonsensical phrase meant to accompany the music.
Strumming on the old banjo
Playing music on an old banjo.
Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), JOSEPH BIHARI LIVING TRUST DBA MODERN MUSIC PUB COMPANY, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Traditional
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