The Lightning Express

Cat. #0155 (MFH #355) - As sung by Mrs. Iva Haslett, West Plains, Missouri on July 31, 1958

VERSE 1
Th lightning express, from a depot so grand
Had just passed by th way
And all of th passengers that were on board
Seemed to be happy and gay
Except a young boy, in a seat to himself
Was reading a letter he had
It was plain to be seen, by th tears in his eyes
That th contents of it made him sad
Th stern old conductor then started to take
A ticket from everyone there
Finally reaching th side of th boy
Grumbled and asked fer his fare
I have'nt th money th boy then replied,
But I'll pay you back someday
Then I'll put you off at th next station then,
But he stopped when he heard the boy say

CHORUS:
Please, Mr. Conductor
Don't put me off of your train
For th best friend I have in this world, sir
Is waiting for me in pain
She's expected to die any moment
And she may not live thru th day
I want to bid Mother, farewell, he said
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