There’s two thousand ties to a mile,

And fifty more miles to go.

I’ve counted those ties with a smile,

Keeps time from a goin’ so slow.

Now—they seem a mile apart.

I can’t help feelin’ cold.

Got an achin’ down around my heart

I guess—I’m a gettin’—old.

Know what the gangs a doin’ now,

Way down in Elephant Slough.