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

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

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 2]
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

I went to the depot, never got there on time
Went down to the depot, never got there on time
Well, that train's going down, she's rolling down the line

[Instrumental Break]

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