I've Been Working On The Railroad

A Song About Lunch

The origins of the tune are unknown. Some trace it back to a "Louisiana Levee" song of African-Americans. Others believe it is an old hymn adapted by the Irish work gangs in the West. The verses of "Dinah" and "Someone's In the Kitchen" are later additions. The tune was also adapted by Texans as "The Eyes of Texas are Upon You." Dinah may refer to a woman OR a locomotive. The horn signifies the call to lunch.

The Music
I've Been Working On The Railroad
[ 0:34 ] [ 6k ]

The Song
The song in this book which is sung to the tune of
"I've Been Working On The Railroad"

1. Birthday Song (Version 5)

I've Been Working On The Railroad

I've been working on the railroad
All the livelong day
I've been working on the railroad
Just to pass the time away

Can't you hear the whistle blowing
Rise up so early in the morn
Can't you hear the captain shouting
Dinah, blow your horn

Dinah, won't you blow
Dinah, won't you blow
Dinah, won't you blow your horn
Dinah, won't you blow
Dinah, won't you blow
Dinah, won't you blow your horn

Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Someone's in the kitchen I know
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah
Strumming on the old banjo, and singing

Fie, fi, fiddly eye oh
Fie, fi, fiddly eye oh
Fie, fi, fiddly eye oh
Strumming on the old banjo