Steamboat Bill

Down the Mississippi came the Whippoorwill
Commanded by her captain, Mr. Steamboat Bill.
Billy gave his orders on the strict QT,
He was trying to beat the record of the Robert E. Lee.

Chorus

Steamboat Bill, steaming down the Mississippi.
Steamboat Bill, a mighty man was he.
Steamboat Bill, steaming down the Mississippi.
Steamboat Bill, he was trying to beat the record of the
Robert E. Lee!

"Open up the throttle, let the old smoke roll,
Pour on the cargo, if you run out of coal.
If you don't beat the record," Said Billy to his mate,
"You'll be meeting Saint Peter at the Pearly Gate."

Repeat chorus

Up spoke the gambling man from Louisville,
Trying to place a bet against the Whippoorwill.
Billy flashed a roll that would choke a bear,
As the explosion of the engine through them up in the air.

Repeat chorus

Said the gambling man, as they left the wreck,
"I don't know where we're going, but we're neck-and-neck!"
So, Billy said, "Here's what I'll do.
I'll bet another thousand, I go higher than you!"

Repeat chorus

(Slowly)
Now Missus Steamboat Billy was lying in bed,
When she got the news that her hubby was dead.
So she said to her children, "Now honey lambs,
You're next pappa's going to be a railroad man!"

Repeat chorus

Casey Jones, steaming and a rolling.
Casey Jones, a mighty man was he.
Casey Jones, steaming and a rolling.
Casey Jones, he was trying to beat the record of the B.M.T !

(But did he ever return, no he never returned.
And his fate is still unlearned.
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston.
He's the man who never returned.)