[Chorus: Sara Watkins]
Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco

[Verse 1: Watkins]
Oh I've lived through more than I could tell
I've sold all that I could sell
Finally leaving it behind, goodbye, farewell

If it isn't one thing, then it's one thing more
If it isn't a fever that shows you the door
It's the air, or the water or the goddamn war

[Chorus: Watkins/Watkins & Sarah Jarosz/Watkins, Jarosz & Aoife O'Donovan]
Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco

[Verse 2: Watkins/Jarosz]
Mama died, brother was born
Daddy tried but he came up short
We were hungry, scared, and needed more

How much can a person take?
I been working hard since I was eight
Got more than my share of years upon my face
(Upon my face)

[Pre-Chorus: Watkins & O'Donovan/Watkins, Jarosz & O'Donovan]
Brother, I've made up my mind
Got a ticket on the Union Line
I know we'll meet again on the other side
[Chorus: Watkins/Watkins, Jarosz & O'Donovan]
Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco
Where a new life waits for me

[Chorus: Jarosz & O'Donovan/Watkins, Jarosz & O'Donovan/Watkins]
Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco
Where a new life waits for me