Today’s post was written by Paul.
For train song #2 in this year’s series, I teamed up with Corie from the Pressley Girls.
Unfortunately, one of the downsides of doing one take only is that sometimes, the camera or video quality can leave something to be desired. This time, it’s pretty clear what that something is. I didn’t have a tri-pod with me, so I set the camera in Corie’s bookshelf. Apparently, as I stepped away, the camera turned slightly, leaving Corie out of frame. I apologize about this. To make up for it, I’ll be sure to do another one with Corie before we finish the series, and she’ll be fully visible in that one!
There were a few times when we didn’t have our chords patterned correctly with each other, but overall, I think we did the song justice. I won’t say a lot about the song here because I said plenty in the video itself.
Below, you’ll find links to the associated videos mentioned, and below that, you’ll find the lyrics. Turns out that there are quite a few versions of the Gibson Brothers doing the song on YouTube, including several live versions that you might enjoy. When I watched a few of them, I was further impressed by the guitar work in that he never played it the same way twice, showing that he plays with a lot of variety. Of course, their vocals are great too, and that’s what drew Pap to their music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itRk2…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnpHX…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2TiU…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZIPh…
The eastbound train was crowded one cold December day.
A conductor called for tickets in the old-time fashioned way.
A little girl sat in silence, her hair fine as gold.
She said, “I have no ticket,” and then her story told:
“My father, he’s in prison. He’s lost his sight, they say.
I’m going for his pardon this cold December day.
The conductor could not answer. He could not make reply,
His shaking, rough hands wiping the tear drops from his eyes.
He said, “God bless you, little one. Just stay right where you are.
You’ll never need a ticket while I am on this car.”
Thanks for watching! We hope you tune in next week for another train song. 🙂
Paul
Well done. Thank you for sharing this music video. Paul and Corey both did a great job. Paul has a beautiful voice.
That was beautiful. Adding the lyrics was such a nice touch.
What a beautiful voice Paul has, and such incredible picking talent. Your daughter is so talented, as well. I would have loved to hear the entire song! It was too short and sweet.
Sad song but also good too. You all did great!
Good job!! I remember my mother singing this song back in the ’40’s…
Thank you. I appreciate the music.
Paul did a good job singing this song. Even though it is sad it is one of my favorite songs. I really like the version Lester Flatt has.
Train songs…Can’t go wrong with inspiration from The Blue Sky Boys
Bill and Earl Bolick…..
Sad subject matter. These kind of songs always leave me with questions…where was her mom?, how did dad lose his eyesight? It’s crazy….that’s how my mind works!
Paul you sing like an angel!!! Corie and you played well together although I missed her sweet face… lol As the wife of a New Yorker, let me tell ya THERES a lot of cows, corn and country in upstate New York. Once when Carly was 2 she wanted to go home from her grandma’s. She told me at 2 if mommy and daddy weren’t taking her home, she would go alone. I said how are you gonna get there and she snarky replied “I’m going down to the big cow and turning right.” There was indeed a huge fake cow outside a steakhouse. Ohhhhh my….Btw my brother has twins named Corey and Courtney ( a boy and girl.)
You two were superb! I simply enjoyed the music, and didn’t focus on shortcomings that might have been in your playing. I think you both played excellently. I had forgotten about that commercial you put in the video. Great creative mind you have! Thanks for the laugh!! I had never heard this song before. Thank you for keeping all these old songs alive, and introducing them to us!
Donna. : )
This song would have made my Daddy cry. Trains and songs about trains were his favorite.He’s been gone ten years now but I still miss him every day.
Well done, but I miss Corie!
Sweet song, thanks! I can see enough of Corie to know it’s her and you guys did a good job on this song!