Coal Train

Words: Bill Scott, Music: Roger Ilott©1997 Restless Music

When you're on a triple header from Blackwater or from Bluff,
In by Dingo and Rockhampton, and the tracks are pretty rough,
For a showery rail's a greasy rail, it makes the drivers slip,
So you never get the chance to open up and let her rip.
You've got no brakes, you've got no power, you're nearly out of sand,
And the hundred hoppers on your tail keep getting out of hand,
So you're edging down the cutting, watching hard for fallen rocks,
You say a prayer and cross yourself, and trust the Jesus Box,
Trust the Jesus Box.

What's in it is a mystery, you hope it's working right,
As you snake ‘em easy round the curves and the tail is out of sight.
Another shower comes along just when the rail gets right,
So you ease again for safety as you peer out in the night.
You hope all level crossing's clear, you'd never make 'er prop
It'd take three miles of careful brakes to bring ‘er to a stop.
So meantime with your nerves on edge and your heart down in your socks,
You say a prayer and cross yourself, and trust the Jesus Box,
Trust the Jesus Box.

An hour late at Westwood then in through Rockhampton town,
Across the highway slowly as the dawn comes brightly down,
Past paddocks, houses, hillsides, and the clouds are opening wide,
As she swings towards Point Barney where the great bulk loaders ride.
You drop the load for shunting and greet the rising sun,
With another trip behind you and another job well done,
You take ’em to the engine shed and set the brakes and locks,
And bless the great creator of the wondrous Jesus Box,
The wondrous Jesus Box.