So Long Train Whistle

[Verse 1] Daddy's been a railroad man Since he was twenty-one Two years of Britty ship Beakmen on the Denver run Thirty he made fireman Thirty-five an engineer Now at sixty-five He's reached the end of his career Daddy said he's glad it's over But he ain't fooling me Last night I overheard him singing This sad old melody [Chorus] So long train whistle So long hmm-hmm This near generation Has no need for you or I [Bridge] We both served the nation Long before it learned to fly Nothing last forever Now it's our turn to die Lord hear that whistle cry [Verse 2] Daddy's not the only one The railroad lines are fired And New York Central Limited Long since been retired The Chief is gone from Santa Fe The SP Lark as well I'm soon to rest to leave the rails Lord only time you tell I know that you can't stop progress New things happen every day We going to mourn that lonely whistle If it finally fades away [Chorus] [Outro] Hear that whistle cry