The Dying Mine Brakeman (aka The True And Trembling Brakeman)
Performer(s): Orville J. Jenks



Listen now while I tell you
Of a story you do not know
Of a true and trembling brakeman
And to heaven he did go
Do you see that train-a-coming
Oh, it's (?through) old Ninety-nine
Oh, she's puffing and a-blowing
For you know she is behind
See that true and trembling brakeman
As he signals to the cab
There is but one chance for him
And that is to grab
See that true and trembling brakeman
As the cars go rushing by
If he miss that yellow freight car
He is almost sure to die
See that true and trembling brakeman
As he falls beneath the train
He had not one moment's warning
Before he fell beneath the train

See the brave young engineerman
At the age of twenty-one
Stepping down from upon his engine
Crying, "Now what have I done!"
"Is it true I killed a brakeman
Is it true that he is dying?
Lord, you know I tried to save him
But I could not stop in time"
See the car wheels rolling o'er him
O'er his mangled body 'n' head
See his sister bending o'er him
Crying, "Brother, are you dead?"
Sighing, "Sister, yes, I'm dying
Going to a better shore
Oh, my body's on a pathway
I can never see no more
"Sister, when you see my brother
These few words to him I send
Tell him never to venture braking
If he does, his life will end"
These few words were sadly spoken
Folding his arms across his breast
And his heart now ceased beating
And his eyes were closed in death