I had a job, i had a girl
I had something going mister in this world
I got laid off down at the lumber yard
Our love went bad, times got hard
Now i work down at the carwash
Where all it ever does is rain
Don't you feel like you're a rider on a downbound train
She just said "joe i gotta go
We had it once we ain't got it any more"
She packed her bags left me behind
She bought a ticket on the central line
Nights as i sleep, i hear that whistle whining
I feel her kiss in the misty rain
And i feel like i'm a rider on a downbound train
Last night i heard your voice
You were crying, crying, you were so alone
You said your love had never died
You were waiting for me at home
Put on my jacket, i ran through the woods
I ran till i thought my chest would explode
There in the clearing, beyond the highway
In the moonlight, our wedding house shone
I rushed through the yard, i burst through the front door
My head pounding hard, up the stairs i climbed
The room was dark, our bed was empty
Then i heard that long whistle whine
And i dropped to my knees, hung my head and cried
Now i swing a sledge hammer on a railroad gang
Knocking down them cross ties, working in the rain
Now don't it feel like you're a rider on a downbound train