The Hobo's Last Ride
Hank Snow Lyrics

One dark and stormy night while riding down the line;
On a stormy night, while traveling on a train,

Railroad Bill, the engineer said, "Boy, we'll have to fly!"
The engineer, Railroad Bill, said they need to hurry.

We've got to be on time, to meet old Number Four.
They need to arrive on time to meet another train.

So sling the coal, we'll make it, boy, or never ride no more.
They need to work hard and fast, or they'll be fired.

While in the rear boxcar, a lonely hobo lay,
In the last car of the train, a sad hobo was sleeping.

Heading for his mother dear, who on her death-bed lay;
He was traveling to see his dying mother.

He raised a weary hand, to brush away a tear,
He wiped his eyes with a tired hand.

Not knowing his last drive was run, and Fate was drawing near.
He didn't know that his life was about to end.

When through the darkened night, a headlight bright did gleam,
A bright light appeared in the darkness.

O'er the roar of rolling wheels, a whistle load did scream;
The train's whistle was deafening over the sound of the wheels.

As down around the curve, the mighty train did roar,
The train was moving quickly around a bend.

With black smoke rolling from the stack, came Flyer Number Four.
The train called Flyer Number Four, with black smoke trailing behind, arrived.

Then came an awful crash! Their last long drive was run,
The train crashed, and it was the hobo's final ride.

On the track the hobo lay, his days of life were done;
The hobo died as a result of the crash.

And as the golden sun, sank slowly to the west,
As the sun set,

His dear old mother gently smiled, and closed her eyes in death.
The hobo's mother passed away peacefully.