One dark stormy night not a star was in sight
And the north wind came howlin' down the line
There stood the brave engineer with his sweetheart so dear
And his orders to pull No 9
She kissed him goodbye with a tear in her eye
But the joy in his heart he couldn't hide
The whole world seemed bright for she told him that night
That tomorrow she'd be his blushing bride
The wheels hummed a song as the train rolled along
The black smoke came a pouring from the stack
The headlight agleam seemed to brighten his dream
Of tomorrow when he'd be coming back
He steered round the hill and his brave heart stood still
Headlight was shining in his face
He whispered a prayer as he drew on the air
For he knew this would be his final race
[ guitar ]
In the wreck he was found lying there on the ground
He asked them to raise his weary head
His breath slowly went at this message he sent
To the maiden who thought she would be wed
There's a little white home that I built for our own
Where I dreamed we'd be happy you and I
But I leave it to you for I know you'll be true
Till we meet at the golden gate goodbye