Levon Helm - A train robbery
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Capo: 1
A Train Robbery - Levon Helm
Recording in Bb
Capo on 1st
TAhe full moon touched the Dcold steel Alines
The rail bed was frozen with Eice
In the Adistance an engine was Dkeepin' good Atime
The steam whistle Emoaned just Atwice
DDown in the cut past the Aold trestle bridge
Twelve fine horses Estood
AMasked men shivered in the Dcold on the Aridge
Not far from the EGlendale Awoods
The brass lamp shone from the swayin' train
When the driver saw the red light
Her iron brakes sparked like silver rain
And the metals screamed through the night
The baggage man peered out to look for the fault
When fear froze up his heart
He was starin' down the barrel of an army colt
That threatened to tear him apart
(Chorus)
AWe will burn your train to cinders so Gthrow the Dmoney on Adown
AOpen up your damned express car and jGump down Dto the grAound
ABut we won't touch that old Pullman she's GSouthern Dand they cAlaimed
AThey ain't offered no reward for GFrank andD Jesse JAames
GFrank andD Jesse AJames
In long soldiers coats frayed with years
Quickly they scrambled aboard
The men was a-sweatin' and the women shed tears
And a preacher prayed to the Lord
When they opened the safe there was nothing for them
So they strolled down through the train
What a miserable sight, these desperate men
Robbin' old folks for their gold watch chains
(chorus)
Now some say the devil had taken his soul
Some say his spirit survived
But we all know he was nothin' but a Missouri farm boy
Just fightin' to stay alive
High above that railroad bed
On a ridge where the pines grow tall
If you listen to the wind there's a ghost of a chance
You can still hear ole Jesse call
(chorus)