Goodbye brother, hello railroad, so long Chicago All these years thought I was where I ought to be But times are changing, this country is growing And I'm bound for San Francisco Well I've lived through more than I could tell I've sold all that I could sell, finally leaving it behind Goodbye, farewell If it isn't one thing, then it's one thing or more If it isn't a fever that shows you the door It's the air, or the water, or the goddamn war Goodbye brother, hello railroad, so long Chicago All these years thought I was where I ought to be But times are changing, this country is growing And I'm bound for San Francisco Mama died and brother was born Daddy tried but he came not sure We were hungry and scared and needed more How much can a person take? I've been working hard since I was eight, god lord My share of years upon my face Brother, I made up my mind Got a ticket on the Union line I know we'll meet again on the other side Goodbye brother, hello railroad, so long Chicago All these years thought I was where I ought to be But times are changing, this country is growing And I'm bound for San Francisco Where I knew life would take me Goodbye brother, hello railroad, so long Chicago All these years thought I was where I ought to be But times are changing, this country is growing And I'm bound for San Francisco Where I knew life waits for me © transcript Emily Beynon