Rock Island Line
(Johnny Cash)

Now this here is a story about the Rock Island Line.
The Rock Island Line, she runs down into New Orleans.
There's a big toll gate up there, and you know, if you got certain things on board when you go through the toll gate - you don't have to pay the man no toll.
Well a train driver he pulled up to the toll gate, and the man hollered and asked what all he had on board and he said:

I got livestock, I got livestock
I got cows, I got sheep, I got pigs, I got mules
I got all livestock

He said you're all right boy; you don't have to pay no toll, you just go right on through, son.
He went on through the tollgate, and as he went on through,
He started picking up a little bit of speed...
Picking up a little bit of steam...

He got on through, turned back to the man and said:

Well I fooled you, I fooled you
I got pick iron, I got pick iron
I got all pick iron

Now the Rock Island Line she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Well if you go ride you (...)
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line

Clouds in the west, it looks like rain
Round the curve on a fast new train
Northbound train on a southbound track
Already leaving, but he won't be back

Now the Rock Island Line she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Well if you go ride you (...)
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line

Oh I may be right, and I may be wrong
But you're gonna miss me when I'm gone

Well the engineer said, before he died
There were two more drinks that he'd like to try
The doctor said: 'What could they be?'
'A hot cup of coffee and a cold glass of tea.'
Now the Rock Island Line she's a mighty good road
Rock Island Line, it's the road to ride
Rock Island Line, she's a mighty good road
Well if you go ride you (...)
Get your ticket at the station for the Rock Island Line