1: Old Rueben had a train he put it on the track
Said hed run it til the Lord knows when
You oughta been in town when old Ruebens train come round, You could hear the whistle blow !00 miles

2: On the first day of the year old Rueben came up here
and he never been back home since that day
I give him a raise in rent laid old Rueben in the shade
I started me a graveyard of my own

3: What did the hobo say to the bum got any cornbread save my son Lord Ive never been so hungry in my life
What did the hobo say to the tramp the road is muddy and the way is damp
Oh Lord Im 900 miles from my home

4: Im walking down this track Ive got tears in my eyes
Im tryin to read a letter from my home
If my woman says so Ill railroad no more Ill sidetrack my train and Ill go home

5: Well Ive been to the east and Ive been to the west
Im going where them chilly winds dont blow
And if my train runs me right Ill see my woman on a Friday night Lord Im 900 miles from my home