I sang this song with gusto back in the 'fifties, then forgot about it for years! Last night in a rare fit of insomnia snatches of it started coming into my mind. This morning 'Hank Snow" popped into my mind. So here I am liking it all over again.
The lightning express from the depot so grand Had started out on its way All of the passengers that were on board Seemed to be happy and gay But one little boy who sat by himself Was reading a letter he had You could plainly tell by the look on his face That the contents of it made him sad … The stern old conductor then started his round Taking tickets from everyone there And finally reaching the sad little boy He gruffly demanded his fare 'I have no ticket' the boy then replied 'But I'll pay you back someday' 'Then I'll put you off at the next stop we make' But he stopped when he heard the boy say … 'Please Mr. Conductor Don't put me off of this train The best friend I have in this world sir Is waiting for me in pain Expecting to die any moment sir And may not live through the day I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye Before God takes her away' … A girl sitting near was heard to exclaim 'If you put him off, it's a shame' Taking his hand, a collection she made The boy's way was paid on the train 'I'm obliged to you miss for your kindness to me' 'You're welcome, ' she said, never fear Each time the conductor would pass through the car The boy's words would ring in his ear … 'Please Mr. Conductor Don't put me off of this train The best friend I have in this world sir Is waiting for me in pain Expecting to die any moment sir And may not live through the day I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye Before God takes her away'
This is incredibly cool.. as a travis picker myself.. can't even play as clean yet I've still been using my index ring middle finger.. this shows him just using his thumb and index and he was smooth.. anyway makes good practice for me listening ty for this rare footage Merle Travis picking
😅There is no other song like this...three men with pointless lives....a cold dose of violent reality in a bouncy ditty....one of those pieces of art that lays bare the fact that , no matter how involved lives are, very little is ever truely accomplished.
My Aunt Mary used to play piano and sing this song at family reunions. She said it was a famous song about East Texas, but I never understood how famous it was. We were all from Comanche County, moved to Kilgore, site of “the world’s richest acre” in 1930. Thank you!
This is my Grandpa Davis’ song!! Don’t be deceived!! He wrote this song! He ran away in the early 20’s. We have a 45 to prove it. Why is everyone giving credit where credit is NOT due?
