Hard work, low pay, tired aching back Earning by the sweat on my brow 12 full hours in this manmade hole Doin' what they taught me how Chorus I'm a spike drivin' railway son-of-a-gun Working on the southern line 14 miles through this mountain side Working with sweet Carrie on my mind The boss man's mean he's full of hate Livin' on the workers sweat The steaks he eats keeps him good and fat Soup beans is all we get Chorus From daylight to dark we work in the tunnel Scared of a bad cave-in Ain't got enough eat to or money to buy with No insurance for our kin Chorus 2x