Back in 1870 Just beneath the Great White Way Alfred Beach worked secretly Risking all to ride a dream His wind machine His wind machine
New York City and the morning sun Were awoken by the strangest sound Reportedly as far as Washington The tremors shook the earth As Alfie blew underground Blew underground, he blew underground
Ah, all aboard Sub Rosa Subway Had you wondered Who's been digging under Broadway It's Alfred Poor Al, oh no, Al
As for America's first subway The public scoffed 'It's far too crude' One station filled with Victoria's Age From frescoed walls And goldfish fountains To Brahmsian tunes