The Great Rock Island Route
Composer(s): J.A. Roff



From a rocky bound Atlantic, to a mild Pacific shore
From a fair and sunny southland to an ice-bound Labrador
There's a name of magic import and 'tis known the world throughout
'Tis a mighty corporation, called the great Rock Island Route

Now listen to the jingle, and the rumble, and the roar
As she dashes thro' the woodland, and speeds along the shore
See the mighty rushing engine, hear her merry bell ring out
As they speed along in safety, on the "Great Rock Island Route"

All great cities of importance can be found along its way
There's Chicago and Peoria and Rock Island so they say
With Davenport, and westward still is Council Bluffs far out
As a western termination of this Great Rock Island Route

To the great southwest another, and a mighty line they run
Reaching far famed Kansas City, Leavenworth and Atchison
Rich in beauty, power, and grandeur, and they owe it all no doubt
To the fact that they are stations, on the Great Rock Island Route

There's the "Northern Route," a daisy as you all can plainly see
To St. Paul, and Minneapolis, 'tis the famous "Albert Lea"
To the lakes of Minnesota, and all points there 'round about
Reached directly by no other, than the "Great Rock Island Route"

Now let music soft and tender, in its mystic power reveal
Praises to the "Great Rock Island," that the heart can only feel
And to swell the mighty chorus--comes the glad re-echoing shout
That for safety, time and comfort, take the "Great Rock Island Route"

Now listen to the jingle, and the rumble, and the roar
As she dashes thro' the woodland, and speeds along the shore
See the mighty rushing engine, hear her merry bell ring out
As they speed along in safety, on the "Great Rock Island Route"