[Verse 1]
My mama told me, my papa told me, too
Now my mama told me, papa told me, too
Well, I shouldn't be here trying to sing these railroad blues

Wish I had a-listened, oh, to what my mama said
Wish I had a-listened, oh, to what my mama said
Well, I wouldn't be here trying to sleep in this cold iron bed

[Instrumental break]

[Verse 2]
I went to the depot, I never got there on time
Went down to the depot, never got there on time
Train's going down, she's rolling down the line

Mister jailer, go away now, don't tell me no lies
Mister jailer, go away now, don't tell me no lies
Well, my train's going down, she's rolling down the line

[Instrumental break]

[Outro]
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said
Well, I wouldn't be here trying to sleep in this cold iron bed
Well, my mama told me, my papa told me, too
Well, my mama told me, papa told me, too
Well, I shouldn't be here trying to sing these railroad blues