[Verse 1]
How long, how long has the southbound train been gone?
How long, how long, baby, how long?
I feel like travelin' 'cause my blue spells have come on
How long, how long, daddy, how long?

[Verse 2]
I've got the blues so bad, I've got boxcars on my mind
How long, how long, baby, how long?
I can't leave my baby, and it ain't no use in cryin'
How long, how long, daddy, how long?

[Verse 3]
It takes a good engine to pull a fast mail train
How long, how long, daddy, how long?
It takes a brownskin man to run a woman insane
How long, how long, daddy, how long?

[Verse 4]
How long, how long, daddy, do I have to wait?
How long, how long, baby, how long?
Can I get it now, or will I have to hesitate?
How long, how long, daddy, how long?