Well I got my mail late last night a letter from a boy who found the time to write
To his lonesome girl somewhere in the night
He sent me a railroad ticket too to take me to his lovin' arms
And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love

I been out here many long days I haven't found a place that I could call my own
Not a two bit bed to lay my body on
I been stood up I bin shook down I bin dragged into the sand
And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love

I been up tight most every night walkin' along the streets of this old town
Not a friend around to tell my troubles to
My good old car she done broke down cause I drove it into the ground
And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love

Well I look over yonder cross the plain
The big drive wheels a poundin' along the ground
Gonna get on board and I'll be homeward bound
Now I ain't had a home cooked meal and Lord I need one now
And the big steel rail gonna carry me home to the one I love
[ harmonica ]
Well I got my mail late last night