Lyrics:

Although I've left you darlin'
I'll soon be back again'
That's what I said in China
Where all the work was dead

I hope you get my letters
I write them everyday
I'll soon be headin' eastwards
I'm hammerin' the nails

I'm workin' on the railroad
I dig away the time
I'm singin' to the work song
With memories in mind

I sail to Hong Kong Harbor
The winds were warmer there
The sweat would roll down my back
While diggin' at the earth

While talkin' of you darlin'
I'd show your photograph
And point it over westwards
Way over past the tracks

I'm workin' on the railroad
I dig away the time
I'm singin' to the work song
With memories in mind
(Repeat)

Of you, of you, hoh ho

I've saved every penny, my girl
I hope that you have waited out there
For all my love when I get home
'Cause deep down in my heart, there's a hole
(Repeat 2x)