Deprecated: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 473

Notice: session_start(): A session had already been started - ignoring in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 913

Notice: Undefined index: dcSecurity in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 914

Notice: Undefined index: CFASafeSearch in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 919
The James T. Callow Computerized Folkore Archive | University of Detroit Mercy Libraries Back to Top
Top Nav content Site Footer
University Home
James T. Callow Computerized Folklore Archive
search for

Offensive content Filter is ON

RAILROAD BILL

RAILROAD BILL, RAILROAD BILL, HE NEVER WORKED AND
HE NEVER WILL, GONNA RIDE ON RAILROAD BILL. RAILROAD BILL HE WAS A
MIGHTY MEAN MAN, HE SHOT THE MIDNIGHT LANTERN OUT OF THE BRAKEMAN'S
HANDS, I'M GONNA RIDE ON RAILROAD BILL. RAILROAD BILL TOOK MY WIFE,
SAID IF I DIDN'T LIKE IT HE WOULD TAKE MY LIFE, I'M GONNA RIDE
ON RAILROAD BILL. GOIN' UP ON A MOUNTAIN, GOIN' OUT WEST, 38 SPECIAL
STICKIN' OUT OF MY VEST, I'M GONNA RIDE ON RAILROAD BILL. BUY ME
A PISTOL JUST AS LONG AS MY ARM, BLAST EVERYBODY EVER DONE ME HARM,
I'M GONNA RIDE ON RAILROAD BILL. I'VE GOT A 38 SPECIAL ON A 45 FRAME,
HOW IN THE WORLD CAN I MISS HIM WHEN I GOT DEAD AIM? I'M GONNA RIDE
ON RAILROAD BILL. BABY, BABY, THINK I'M A FOOL? THINK I'D LEAVE
YOU WHILE THE WEATHER IS COOL? I'M GONNA RIDE ON RAILROAD BILL.

Submitter comment: IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE TERM "GOT A
PISTOL JUST AS LONG AS MY ARM (OR LEG)" IS USED IN FOLK SONG.
ALSO, THE RHYME OF LIFE AND WIFE IS USED A LOT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Song
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Song C300.200

Date learned: CA03001974

Back to Top