Hey Porter
Marty Stuart Lyrics

Hey Porter, hey Porter, would you tell me the time
Asking the train porter for the current time.

How much longer will it be 'til we cross that Mason-Dixon line
Inquiring how much time is left before reaching the Mason-Dixon line, which is a symbolic boundary representing the cultural divide between the North and the South.

When we hit Dixie would you tell that engineer to ring his bell
Requesting the porter to instruct the train engineer to sound the horn when the train enters the South, which is also known as Dixie.

And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell
Asking the engineer to encourage passengers who are awake to shout in excitement as they enter the South.

Hey Porter, hey Porter, what time did you say
Repeating the request for the current time to the porter.

How much longer will it be 'til I can see the light of day
Asking how much longer until sunrise or until reaching their destination.

When we hit Dixie would you tell that engineer to slow it down
Requesting the engineer to decrease the train's speed when entering the South to allow for a better view of the surrounding scenery.

Better still just stop the train 'cause I'd like to look around
Instead of slowing down, the artist suggests the train should stop entirely for a better view of the South, which reflects his admiration and joy for this region.

Hey Porter, hey Porter, it's gettin' light outside
Notifying the porter that the sun is rising and it is becoming easier to see things outside the train.

This old train is puffin' smoke and I have to strain my eyes
The train is producing excessive smoke and the artist is having a tough time seeing through it.

But ask that engineer if he would blow his whistle please
Requesting the engineer to sound the horn again as they enter a new area or make a turn.

I smell frost on cotton leaves and I feel that southern breeze
The artist smells the scent of frost on cotton leaves and feels the warm southern breeze, which are pleasant sensations that he associates with the South.

Hey Porter, hey Porter, get my bags for me
Asking the porter to bring his bags as they are approaching his destination.

I need nobody to tell me now that we're in Tennessee
The singer knows they have reached Tennessee, and doesn't need confirmation from anyone else.

Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream
Asking the porter to request that the engineer sounds the train's whistle in a louder and more dramatic fashion, reflecting the singer's excitement to arrive at his destination.

We're gettin' close to home so take it easy on the steam
Requesting the engineer to reduce the steam to slow down the train as they approach the final destination, as well as to prevent any accidents or safety hazards.

Hey Porter, hey Porter, please open up the door
Requesting the porter to open the train door so he can exit when they arrive at their destination.

When they stop this train, I'm gonna get off first 'cause I can't wait no more
The singer is eager and excited to reach his destination, so he intends to be the first person to exit the train when it stops.

Tell that engineer I said thanks a lot and I didn't mind the fair
Asking the porter to pass along his gratitude to the engineer for a safe and enjoyable journey and to express that he felt good about the fare he paid.

Gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air
The artist is excited to finally arrive in the South and make physical contact with southern soil and experience the southern atmosphere.