Oh You Engineer
Shel Silverstein
Henry Green was an engineer driver of the five-o-nine.
On his regular run he would stop for some fun
With the ladies down the line.
He'd love 'em and deceive 'em
Lie to 'em and leave 'em.
Finally the word leaked out.
His wife was waiting by the roundhouse door.
You could hear her shout:
"Oh! sweet engineer, won't you kindly turn your engine down.
If you go too fast you'll never get to Natchez, baby.
You'll break down outside of town.
If your wine ain't corked, it'll just turn sour.
Whatcha really need now dad is stayin' power.
Oh, sweet engineer won't you kindly turn your engine down?"
"Oh! sweet engineer, you're causin' me worry and pain.
If you go too fast you just can't last.
Little Judy ain't gonna ride your train.
Your stack is smokin' and your boiler's hot,
Your valves are leakin' and your brakes are shot.
Oh, sweet engineer won't you kindly turn your engine down?"