Steel Rails
Louisa Branscomb, 1991· Songs Well-Known in America · p.308
Intro: G Am C D C G
Chorus:
Am
Steel rails, chasing sunshine round the bend,
A2 A0 D5 A0 A2
C D C G
Winding through the trees like a ribbon in the wind
Am
I don’t mind, not knowing what lies down the track
C D C G
‘Cause I’m looking out ahead to keep my mind from turning back.
Am
It’s not the first time, I found myself alone at dawn
C D C G
If I really had you once, then I’d have you when I’m gone,
Am
Whistle blowing, blowing lonesome in my mind
C D C G
Calling me along that never ending metal line (Chorus)
[Instrumental] G Am C D C G (x2)
Am
Sun is shining, through the open box car door
C D C G
Lying in my mind with the things I’ve known before
Am
I’ve lost count of the hours days and times
C D C G
Just the rhythm of the rails keeps the motion in my mind (Chorus)
(Outro) C D C G
Because I’m looking out ahead … to keep my mind from turning back