Digital Song Download: Boxcar Betty
Digital Song Download: Boxcar Betty
Written by Holly Hanson. Performed by Neptune’s Car. From the album Letters from the Road.
Boxcar Betty (Hanson)
I’ve slipped into the boxcar
with my rucksack and some wine
There sounds the highball whistle,
and we’re rushing down the line
Cold steel’s creeping through
my clothes into my loins,
but my hands are warm from
carving pictures on these coins
There’s a cross on the signal post
Gonna find some “angel food”
And, the sign of the cat
maybe get me in the mood
It’s a code that you learn
when you’re riding on the rails,
when you’re squatting down in boxcars,
and following the trails
Chorus:
Well, I’m no Boxcar Betty,
but don’t wish me no harm
I’ve got no home or fam’ly
I’m just trying to stay warm
Gonna sleep on the beach
with a fire at my side—
feel the pull and the release
of the endless ocean tide
At the first light of the morning,
I’ll be on my way again—
slipping into boxcars
and sleeping now and then
There’s a cross on the signal post
Gonna find some “angel food”
And, the sign of the cat
maybe get me in the mood
It’s a code that you learn
when you’re riding on the rails,
when you’re squatting down in boxcars,
and following the trails
Chorus:
Well, I’m not tough like Betty,
but don’t give me no grief
My aim is strong and steady,
and I’m full of faith and belief
Chorus:
No, I’m no Boxcar Betty,
but don’t wish me no harm
I’ve got no home or fam’ly
And, I’m just trying to stay warm