Although i've left you darlin',
I'll soon be back again,
That's what i said in China,
Where all the work was dead.

I hope you get my letters,
I write them everyday,
I'll soon be headed Eastwards,
I'm hammering the nails.

I'm working on the railroad,
I dig away the time,
I'm singing to the work song,
With memories in mind.

I'll sail to Hong Kong harbour,
The winds were warmer there,
The sweat would roll down my back,
While digging up the earth.

While talking of you darling,
I'd show your photograph,
And point in over Westwards,
Way over past the tracks.

I'm working on the railroad,
I dig away the time,
I'm singing to the work song,
With memories in mind.

I'm working on the railroad,
I dig away the time,
I'm singing to the work song,
With memories in mind....of you
Of you, ohh

I've saved every penny my girl,
I hope that you have waited out there,
For all my love when i get home,
'Cos deep down in my heart, there's a hole. (x3)