SOLO
I'm a poor old railroad man, just an L & N section hand
And the weight is slowly creeping on the way
Now hard times is coming on and my last old dollar is gone
And this song is one I learned to sing and play
REFRAIN: Ofttimes see the path of the poor misfortunate tramp
He has no home and has no place to build
As you see him pass along and he sings his little song
Please remember that the poor tramp has to live
SOLO
My health broke down out on the track with heavy loads upon my back
Now I have to make my way the best I can
We never know when we are young, what may be our fatal doom
These words are from a broke-down section hand
REFRAIN: Ofttimes see the path of a poor misfortunate tramp
He has no home and has no place to build
As you see him pass along and he sings his little song
Please remember that the poor tramp has to live
Yes, my health is broken down, as I tramp from town to town
Sing and play, take whatever you may give
While I try to play and sing, just divide your little change
And remember that the poor tramp has to live
REFRAIN: Ofttimes see the path of a poor misfortunate tramp
He has no home and has no place to build
As you see him pass along and he sings his little song
Please remember that the poor tramp has to live