Northbound Train

Northbound Train
Music by Frank Wildhorn
Lyrics by Jack Murphy

I read your letter about a hundred times today
Thought I’d better write before I’m on my way
We’re moving out Just where I can’t say
Indiana snow fell mighty deep I hear
So winter wheat should fetch a handsome price this year
We’ll be alright when I get outta here
One more month living by the sword
One last valley to march through
Thirty days ’til I climb aboard that northbound train
Back home to you

I met a southern boy down here in Tennessee
He must’ve been about the same age as me
We’re both as scared as two men could be
We talked across the lines ’til break of day
And while we talked there was no blue or gray
Just the things two farm-boys would say
His voice drawled sweet as a mockingbird
‘Bought drought and rain and weather
Once that night we both swore we heard the whistle call
Of a northbound train

I asked him what he was fighting for
He said ’cause Yankee you’re down here
I said that’s something I can understand
But I’m the son of an Indiana volunteer
Just trying to march through all my fears
Long enough to catch that northbound train

So Abby when I finally get back home to you
Don’t ask me nothing ’bout the things I’ve had to do
It’ll chill your soul break your young heart in two
I ain’t the same Lord knows I’ve seen some fearful things
And I’ve felt the breathless beat of angel’s wings
When bullets fly and the saber swings
One more month living by the sword One last valley to march through
Thirty days ’til I climb aboard that northbound train
Back home to you
Back home to you
On a northbound train.