Cold smoke, valve oil and steam My heart is sad, I'm living in dreams
I can't tell why I love the smell Of cold smoke, valve oil and steam
I worked for the railroad all of my life
To make a home for my darling wife
But now I'm retired and feeling so low
Weary and tired with a heart full of woe
Cold smoke, valve oil and steam
My heart is sad, I'm living in dreams
I can't tell why I love the smell
Of cold smoke, valve oil and steam
I pull on the whistle to clear the line
And to bring that fireball in on time
Oh, time in your flight, please take me back
Let me hear the drivers click again on the track
Cold smoke, valve oil and steam
My heart is sad, I'm living in dreams
I can't tell why I love the smell
Of cold smoke, valve oil and steam
A short forty years went flying on by
Now I'm so lonesome I could die
If I find heaven the way I've been told
I'll roll an engine down a track made of gold
Cold smoke, valve oil and steam

My heart is sad, I'm living in dreams
I can't tell why I love the smell
Of cold smoke, valve oil and steam