When the train is swiftly speeding on the metal through the night
And the drivers are watching for the distant signal light
He will give a smile of pleasure when the red is turned to white [Note 382.1]
For he knows that all is clear upon the line
But the man who works the signals has a weary task in store
At the telegraph² and lever¹ for a dozen hours or more
And he often sleeps exhausted till a sudden crash and roar
Tells the tale of a collision on the line
Chorus: Ah Pity the weary signalman
Think of the hours he stands
Alone in his box with human lives by thousands in his hands
If he's a father his thoughts will be torn
Back where the home lights a welcome shine
Back to the dear ones who watch for the signalman on the line
Work of course he was unfit for, in his great domestic grief
He had begged the station master to allow a nights relief
Though his cheeks were pale and sunken, yet his master answered brief
You must not neglect your duty on the line
Of for god's sake sir don't say so poor Tom answered with a sigh
For my little one is dying, I'm not fit for work today
I'm half asleep already but the master turned away
And my mate is at his signals on the line.
Hark! The down¹ express¹ approaching, I can hear it through the night
I can see the signal gleaming in the distance, clear and bright
But another train is coming and the signal flashes white
There is surely some mistake upon the line.
They are nearing to each other like the onward rush of fate,
Why are not the signals altered, on they come at lightening rate
Oh God put the lines at danger change the signals - too late