central pacific

sun went careening

over the ceiling

and crashed onto the plains

set fire to the amber waves of grain

the moon it dances

over acres and fences

and waltzes down into the water

sounds like the ring that i bought her

there's a gal

in california

i'll see her when i get off this rail

sent her one last letter in the mail

will you wait for me

by the blue oak tree?

will you marry me?

i know i've been gone

and this rail road's long

but i built it for to carry you a ring

twelve hour days

for minimum wage

and i'll carry every penny back to sacramento

this black chariot will let me swing home

just a railroad man

with railroad hands

and i built this track to build you a home

i just built you a place to be alone

all the way to promontory

i wrote a lovers' story

and i'm comin' back for to fulfill

the promises my letters did reveal

will you wait for me

by the blue oak tree?

will you marry me?

i know i've been gone

and this rail road's long

but i built it for to carry you a ring

will you wait for me

by the blue oak tree?

will you marry me?

i know i've been gone

and this rail road's long

but i built it for to carry you a ring

but i built it for to carry you a ring

but i built it for to carry you a ring