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

[Chorus]
Wish I had a-listened to what my mama said
Wish I had a-listened, oh, to what my mama said
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
My train's going down, she's a-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
My train's going down, she's a-rolling down the line

[Instrumental Break]

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

[Outro]
I think the worst of our intonation difficulties are just about over