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The True and Trembling Brakeman 
The True and Trembling Brakeman 
See that true and trembling brakeman As he falls between those cars, Not one moment's warning had he From those breake cars he was hurt. 
See those car wheels passing o'er him O'er his mangled body and head, See his sister bending o'er him Crying, "Brother, are you dead?" 
"Dying, sister, yes I'm dying Going to join that better shore Oh my father and my mother I shall never see no more." 
See that brave young engineerman At the age of twenty one, Stepping from his engine, crying, "Now what have I done! 
Have I killed that faithful brakeman? Can it be that he is dyin'? Oh, I did my best to save him But I could not stop in time." 
"Dying, buddy, yes I'm dying Going to join that better shore Oh my buddies on the C.C. I shall never see no more. 
Sister, when you see my brother These few words I'll send to him, Never, never venture braking If he does his life will end." 
THese few words that he has spoken Clasp his hands across his breast For the spirit all had left him And his soul had gone to rest. 
From Ozark Folksongs, Randolph 
Collected from Bert Martin, KY 1937 Laws G11 DT #783 apr97