I don't look all that ragged for all the time it's been,
I'm weakened underneath me where my frame is rusted thin
And this year's state inspection I just barely passed
Won't you drive me 'cross the country, boy,
This year could be my last

I'm a tailfin road locomotive from the days of cheap gasoline,
For sale on the side of the road going nowhere,
A rusty old American dream

I rolled off the line in Detroit back in 1958,
Spent twodays on the showroom, that's all I had to wait
I've been good to all who owned me, so have no fear;
Come on, boy, put your money down and get me out of here!

I'm a tailfin road locomotive from the days of cheap gasoline,
For sale on the side of the road going nowhere,
A rusty old American dream

This car needs a young man to own him
One who will polish the chrome,
I will give you the rest of my lifetime,
But don't let me die here alone
Just jump me some juice to my batt'ry,
Give that old starter a spin,
Hear me whir, sputter, backfire to the carberator,
And roar into life once again

I'm a tailfin road locomotive from the days of cheap gasoline,
For sale on the side of the road going nowhere,
A rusty old American dream, still runnin'
A rusty old American dream