Danville Girl, No 2: Lyrics

Traditional

Appears on:

• CD Original Folkways Recordings

I went down to the railroad yard To watch that train roll by I knew the train would roll that day But I did not know what time I did not know what time, boys I did not know what time I knew the train would roll that day But I did not know what time Good morning Mister Railroad Man What time does your train roll by Nine-sixteen and two-forty-four Twenty-five minutes 'til five At nine-sixteen, two-twenty-four Twenty-five minutes 'til five Thank you Mister Railroad Man I wanna watch your train roll by Standing on a platform Smoking a cheap cigar Waitin' for some old freight train Carries an empty car I set my hat on the side of my head And I walked across the track Caught the end of a streamline train I never did come back I rode her down to Danville Town I got stuck on a Danville girl Bet your life she was a pearl She wore that Danville curl She wore her hat on the side of her head Like high-tone people all do The very next train come down that track I bid that gal adieu I bid that gal adieu, boys I bid that gal adieu And the very next train come down that track I bid that gal adieu

Of note:

Several botched lyrics, as someone forgot and stumbled, and the two-twenty-four and two-forty-four discrepancy is there. But far more interesting, look at how this song evolved over the years. Those who suggest Cisco is a minor talent should listen to this and then compare to the versions of his later years, wistful, sad, longing. This was an artist honing and polishing over many years, until he acheived greatness.

We welcome any suggestions, contributions, or questions. You send it, we'll consider using it. Help us spread the word. And the music. And thanks for visiting.