the first train headin' south

i didn't know my baby loved me so

until that letter come to let me know

now i pack my bags and then i'll go

and catch the first train i see headin' south

if i got this letter in idaho

where snow's so deep it wouldn't let me go

i'd went hog wild and melted all that snow

and caught the first train i saw headin' south

if i got this letter in iowa

nothing in this world could make me stay

i'd grab my hat and then been on my way

and caught the first train i saw headin' south

i didn't know my baby loved me so

until that letter come to let me know

now i pack my bags and then i'll go

and catch the first train i see headin' south

i didn't know my baby loved me so

until that letter come to let me know

now i'll pack my bags and then i'll go

and catch the first train i see headin' south

if i'd got this letter in ohio

with a busted back

two arms and broken toe

there'd be no hesitation i would go

and catch the first train i saw headin' south

but i got this letter up in maine

you can bet your bottom dollar i feel the same

every clickety-clack of drivers call her name

as i ride this first train i caught headin' south

i didn't know my baby loved me so

until that letter come to let me know

now i pack my bags and then i'll go

and catch the first train i see headin' south