Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco

Oh I've lived through more than I could tell
I've sold all that I could sell
Finally leaving it behind, goodbye, farewell

If it isn't one thing, then it's one thing more
If it isn't a fever that shows you the door
It's the air, or the water or the goddamn war

Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco

Mama died, brother was born
Daddy tried but he came up short
We were hungry, scared, and needed more

How much can a person take?
I been working hard since I was eight
Got more than my share of years upon my face
(Upon my face)

Brother, I've made up my mind
Got a ticket on the Union Line
I know we'll meet again on the other side

Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco
Where a new life waits for me

Goodbye brother, hello railroad
So long, Chicago
All these years, thought I was where I ought to be
But times are changing
This country's growing
And I'm bound for San Francisco
Where a new life waits for me