Story Behind The Song
Stevie DuPree has put together this historically acurate tale of a man from Texas working on the western leg of the Continental Railroad in the 1800's.
Song Description
Working on the railroad.
| Song Length |
4:46 |
Genre |
Folk - Rock, Rock - Roots/Rock n' Roll |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Subject |
Trains, General |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1800 - 1899 |
| |
Lyrics
TEN POUND HAMMER
Well, I spent some time out on the Western Plains
Drivin? spike was my claim to fame
I worked that hammer hard and fast
Put down track that was built to last
I took my supper underneath the stars
As far as the eye could see
You know, Railroad work is long and hard
But it?s done all right by me
Came down out of the Sierra three months ago
Me & Crosseyed Willie & Ol? Chinese Joe
The wind did howl and the rain did sting
And I was makin? that Ten Pound Hammer sing
The Survey Men done set us straight
Now we?re movin? right down that line
Headin? towards Promontory, Utah, Boys
In the spring of 1869
Swing that hammer, Boy
Workin? all night and day
Swing that hammer
But I know it?s gonna end some day
I hopped the Locomotive for the final mile
And I rode that engine with a big ol? smile
The Central and the Union standing eye to eye
It?s almost enough to make a grown man cry
It?s been near three years since I last was home
I?ve seen all the sights to see
I always felt the need to roam, but right now
Texas is where I need to be
Swing that hammer, Boy
There never came a sweeter sound
Than on that day
When I laid that old hammer down
Music by Don Merritt
Lyrics by Stevie DuPree
DosOlDudes Music 2005