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