[Verse 1]
As I listen for the whistle, lie awake and wait
Wish the railroad didn't run so near
'Cause the rattle and the clatter of that old fast freight
Keeps a-makin' music in my ear
Go bum again
Go bum again

[Chorus]
Hear the whistle blow
Hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack
The wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back

[Verse 2]
Well, I wouldn't give a nickel for the bum I used to be
Work as hard as any man in town
I got a pretty gal, she thinks the world of me
Man I'd be a fool to let her down
Go bum again
Go bum again
[Chorus]
Hear the whistle blow
Hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack
The wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back

[Verse 3]
So ev'ry night I listen, wonder if it's late
In my dreams I'm ridin' on that train
I feel my pulse a-beatin' with that old fast freight
And thank the Lord I'm just a bum again
Go bum again
Go bum again

[Chorus]
Hear the whistle blow
Hear the whistle blow
Clickety clack, clickety clack
The wheels are saying to the railroad track
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
Well, if you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back
If you go, you can't come back