Lightning Express
Composer(s): Bradley Kincaid
Performer(s): The Everly Brothers
and multiple other artists



The Lightning Express from the depot so grand 
Had started out on its way 
All of the passengers that were on board 
Seemed to be happy and gay 
But one little boy, who sat by himself 
was reading a letter he had
You can plainly tell by the look on his face 
that the contents of it made him sad

The stern old conductor then started his round 
taking tickets from everyone there
And finally reaching the side of the boy 
he gruffly demanded his fare
'I have no ticket,' the boy then replied
'but I'll pay you back, someday' 
'Then I'll put you off at the next stop we make' 
but he stopped when he heard the boy say

'Please Mr. Conductor, don't put me off of this train 
The best friend I have in this world, sir 
is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment, sir 
and may not live through the day 
I want to reach home and kiss mother goodbye
Before God takes her away' 

A girl, sitting near, was heard to exclaim
'If you put him off, it's a shame!' 
Taking his hat, a collection she made 
The boy's way was paid on the train 
'I'm obliged to you, miss
for your kindness to me' 
'You're welcome,' she said, 'never fear' 
Each time the conductor would pass through the car 
The boy's words would ring in his ear

'Please Mr. Conductor, don't put me off of this train 
The best friend I have in this world, sir 
is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment, sir 
and may not live through the day
I want to reach home and kiss mother goodbye

Before God takes her away'