I can see that train a comin' Watch that big light shine this way Hear that whistle softly blowing Lord, it's been an awful day I watched him leave that Friday morning It was in the month of May I told my son to be a good soldier But return again some day He was returned just one year later But, I'll not forget that day The baggage car is where he traveled In a casket where he lay Train man, keep your whistle blowing Make it moan and make it whine You make a man feel mighty lonesome With a memory like mine In a little country graveyard On a dark and dreary day They laid a flag upon the casket And the casket in the grave I couldn't stand it any longer And I knew not how to pray I cried, "Oh Lord, I hate to leave him All alone beneath that clay" I can see him as a baby I can hear him call my name I can feel him under fire And see him rising from the flames Lord, if I could I'd trade places I would gladly give my all I'd wrap that flag around me like a blanket And listen for the clods to fall