E A E
We was wild-eyed kids from a railroad town
E A B7
We aimed for the stars, tried to shoot 'em all down
E A E
I made this my home, made Mary my wife
E A B7 E
I work for the line and I will all my life
And I know this engine like the ends of my mind
I've run it too hard and I've run it on time
every inch of this track and every ounce of coal
runs through the heartland and runs through my soul
A E
So Mary, won't you reach up on the shelf
C#m A B7
And hand me down some wine
E B7 A E
Be leaving in the morning come 5:51
E A B7 G
I'll sing it out on the main line
The line runs through the mountains where east and west end
I'll bet it runs clear to heaven and back down again
I'm a stranger to faces I see on the way
Dear Mary, are you dreaming of me today
It's cold steel and wood, it's all tacked and tied down
it's a lone whistle blowin', an American sound
Most times at night I whisper your name
Though the days have long changed I love you the same
Chorus
These tracks moved this whole country, through depression and war
Built up some towns that ain't here no more
It's been a life, it's been a livin', it's kept me around
And God bless you Mary, you're the best thing I've found
Chorus
Come home to you down the main line