(Verse 1)
Down in Derail Valley, where the river bends,
I can still hear the whistle, it calls out to friends.
The smoke in the air, a sweet, heavy smell,
Memories of narrow gauges, they ring like a bell.
I loaded up my flatcar, with a tank full of dreams,
Heading out on that old track, or so it seems.
The sun was a furnace, the sky painted blue,
But folks didn't know, trouble was due.
(Chorus)
Oh, I'm movin' freights, but the brakes just won't hold,
Thought I was in control, but I was reckless and bold.
Now I'm watchin' my life fly by like a train,
In the curve of my choices, I'm feelin' the pain.
Movin' freights, I guess I’m just a fool,
Payin' for my lessons, yeah, I'm learnin' the rules.
(Verse 2)
The air brakes were hissin', but I pushed ‘em too long,
Thought I could make it, but I was so wrong.
The wind in my hair, a taste of the dust,
Life in the fast lane, but this ride’s turned to rust.
Then came that sharp curve, my heart skipped a beat,
The gondola trembled, we were teeterin' on the street.
A screech and a shudder, the world spun around,
Now my life’s in pieces, scattered on the ground.
(Chorus)
Oh, I'm movin' freights, but the brakes just won't hold,
Thought I was in control, but I was reckless and bold.
Now I'm watchin' my life fly by like a train,
In the curve of my choices, I'm feelin' the pain.
Movin' freights, I guess I’m just a fool,
Payin' for my lessons, yeah, I'm learnin' the rules.
(Bridge)
And the fire of my youth, it burned just like coal,
But the memories cost more than I could control.
A boxcar of dreams, now it's lost to the night,
With a caboose full of laughter that just faded from sight.
(Verse 3)
I’ll pay for the wreckage, the money is tight,
But no price for the stories that keep me up at night.
The dumpcar's all empty, but my heart's still full,
In this world of movin' freights, I’m just a stubborn mule.
(Chorus)
Oh, I'm movin' freights, but the brakes just won't hold,
Thought I was in control, but I was reckless and bold.
Now I'm watchin' my life fly by like a train,
In the curve of my choices, I'm feelin' the pain.
Movin' freights, I guess I’m just a fool,
Payin' for my lessons, yeah, I'm learnin' the rules.
(Outro)
So here's to Derail Valley, where the stories run deep,
With every bump on the track, I’ll remember to weep.
For the dreams I chased down that narrow old line,
Movin' freights through the memories, I’ll be just fine.