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Subject: Re: Lightning Express
Words to Lightning Express
>From the MaxHunter Folksong Collection
http://www.smsu.edu/folksong/maxhunter/
The Lightning Express
Cat. #0155 (MFH #355) - As sung by Mrs. Iva Haslett in West Plains,
Missouri on July 31,
1958
VERSE 1
The lightning express from the depot so grand
Had just passed by the way
And all of the passengers that were on board
Seemed to be happy and gay
Except a young boy, in a seat by himself
Was reading a letter he had
It was plain to be seen by the tears in his eyes
That the contents of it made him sad.
The stern old conductor then started to take
A ticket from everyone there
Finally reaching the side of the boy
And gruffly demanded his fare.
I have no money the boy replied
But I'll pay you back some day
Then I'll put you off at the very next station,
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 vain.
Expected to die any moment,
She may not live out the day.
I want to bid Mother farewell, sir
Before God takes her away.
VERSE 2
For, Mother was ailing before I left home
And needed a doctors care
I came to th city, employment to find
But did'nt find any, you see
This morning a letter from sister arrived
Come home, Mothers dying, did say
And that is th reason I'm anxious to ride
But I have'nt th money to pay
A little girl sitting in a seat near by
Exclaimed, put th boy off is a shame
And taking half of callection she made
And soon paid his fare on th train
Thank you, kind miss, your welcome, said she
Your welcome, said she, never fear
But each time th conductor would pass thru th car
These words would ring in his ears
VARIANTS:
0147 The Lightning Express
0852 Lightning Express
OTHER COLLECTIONS:
Randolph: IV-720 Please Mr. Conductor
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