She stepped from the train and walked slowly by
I saw her looking at me from the corner of her eye

Step right up mama I'll sing you a song
My name is Billy-Jo and I strum all day long

I've been on every train from here to Califor-ni-a and back again
Chasing bad guys along with a hundred other lawmen

I once knew a lady like you with an angels face
She was my world but I couldn't keep her as I only had one Ace

Soon she was gone, so was the farm with all its cattle
From then on it was me and my old saddle

I began to search for my  pic in my  pocket
Looking back up the lady was gone but beside me was a gold locket

Inside was a picture of a young man and an angels face
And a scrap of what use to be white lace

My blue eyes swelled up with tears
Bringing back all memories of those forgotten years

Picking my hat from the ground
A shiny new Silver dollar is all that I found
Stolen_Tear©

strumming to make the time pass
she gazes with twinkled eyes
intrigued with the music
enamored with the guy

his words of loves he muttered
never once a glance her way
to soon have the bubble burst
as the song was being made

he was singing to his darling
hoping she would forgive
saying how much he adores her
without her he cant live--

........(chorus)
I am so sorry that I made mistakes
I hope you will forgive me for my lies
come home soon my darling
the house is full of flies

it's lonely here on the range
the nights are getting cold
the girls in the saloon are interested
or so I'm being told

I am so sorry that I made mistakes
I hope you will forgive me for my lies
come home soon my darling
the house is full of flies
MiNN©

Another twangy country song
that really runs too long
Garth and Allen- they both whine
Voices over a slow baseline
The trucks broke down
woman's left for town
she not gonna come back
worse, she took the dog, Jack
Winona and Faith- croon and moan
Is it me or do they drone?
That man, he done em wrong
Lied and strung them along
ran off with their best friend
now their hearts will never mend
Let me change the station
a plague has hit the nation
country all over the radio band
I may have to move to a foreign land
I miss that good old Rock and Roll
but sex and drugs have taken their toll
Another twangy country song
that really runs too long
Gayla©

the mighty steam engine
pulled cars filled with grain,
people, supplies and mail
east to west and back again

along the way, every so far
were cities, large and small
waystops, crossroads or hamlets
railroad stations, depots, reservoir

western depots served
as the central location
of the communities business
a hub of activity and locomotion

here the train came for
fuel; wood and coal
and water for the thirsty
engine, before it could roll

here passengers came and went
on their way to visit kin
find work or relocate
on a business trip or for fun

here cattle and train met
herded and crammed in a car
off to the slaughterhouse
to make steaks and leather

here the townspeople
could send a wire
to announce a birth or a death
give instructions to a suppler

here was a good place to hang around
play checkers, poker, a guitar
meet old friends just to gab
get a bite or read a paper

here is where the circus arrived
tents, girls, lions and elephants
hootchie kootchie, the fat lady
magic and clowns in baggy pants

small towns flourished around
the depot, grew larger, more prosperous
large towns withered and died
if the depot closed or fell into disuse

the power of steam so important
to the development of the west
along with it's support system depot
made this country, our land, the best
b.eniii©

The whistles and steam
have all settled down
and I'm here to welcome
you to this town.

I know that you're weary
from riding the rails
but please listen closely
I'll give you details.

The bed and breakfast
should serve you quite well
for a place to worship
follow the sound of the bell.

Just down the street
is the curio place
then around the corner
shops of satin and lace.

Hardware for the gents
a saloon full of booze
rockers outside
if you need a snooze.

On the other side of town
is the First National Bank
right next door to that
you'll find Sheriff Hank.

If I've left anything out
just give me a holler
I'll add it to my song
it's really no bother.

This town is quite friendly
I'm sure you'll agree
and so pretty lady
come take a stroll with me.

Let's walk in the moonlight
until the stars are all gone
the next train won't be leaving
from the depot 'till dawn.

But I hope that you'll stay
and make this your new home
'cause this land is no place
for a lady to roam.
Daisy©

I was sitting there
strumming my guitar
when she arrived
from someplace afar

Strolled up to me
like she knew me well
I asked her name
she said just little Belle

I said howdy Ma'am
how do you do
Anything special
I can play for you

She looked at me
with a big ole grin
Could you play
that tune again

I said surely Ma'am
but it's not my best
Wouldn't you rather
make a special request

She giggled and laughed
her eyes twinkled at me
In a heartbeat
I could see

This little lady
would be a great wife
Fill the void
that was in my life

About that time
the train belched steam
And I thought I was about
to loose my dream

Said guess you'll
be on your way
She said no
think I will stay

If you do I'll
show you around town
I swear my feet
never touched the ground

I am so glad
she decided to stay
Been twenty years now
since that first day

Everyday I love her more
she knows me so well
And that's the story
of how I met my little Belle
Riverrun_7©

Now Curly Joe was never slow
and he never jumped a claim
was quick to smile and slow to rile
but he loved a poker game

With rising blood in a game of stud
holding aces back to back
he hummed a tune and very soon
had the third ace and a jack

The fifth card fell and he knew damn well
he owned the entire bar
to call the hand he of the band
bet a solid gold guitar

To gamble hard on turn of card
Joe lived neath a lucky star
in smoky room he met his doom
when he won that damn guitar

He swore that day that he'd sing and play
a love tune for Katy Sue
long by her door with fingers sore
but his talent never grew

of all the things when he twanged the strings
that grated on Katy Sue's nerves
were the growls and painful howls
that to Joe for singing serves

So one fine day Sue slipped away
then she took the music box
and down the well the guitar fell
then she dumped in lots of rocks

Now Curly Joe as you might know
he's back to playing cards
and Katy Sue is smiling too
and her secret closely guards
Sir_Sun©

You catch my eye from across the way,
a rugged cowboy, dusty boots, and your jeans.
I wonder what stories you might have to tell
as the brakes of the train start to scream.

Passengers begin to disembark
as we wait for needed repairs.
A guitar on your lap, you sit on the fence,
and warm music fills the evening air.

You sing of the lonesome prairie
and of slow, drifting tumbleweeds,
of a beautiful dark-eyed maiden
that you pray someday you will see.

Sitting by a fire, long heartfelt talks,
reading poetry by the oil lamp's light,
of holding her close as you drift off to sleep
under the blanket of a star filled night.

Tomorrow morning we'll say our good bye's
as we both go our separate ways,
but I promise that I will not soon forget
the sounds of your sweet serenade.
blushin©

What's he doing with that old guitar
Is he trying to play the music of his heart
I wonder if he knows that it's unspeakable
Silent to the mortal ears
or if he only sits ignoring me out of fear

Why does she stare at an unknown stranger
Is she trying to pick me apart
Doesn't she know it takes concentration
To play the music of ones heart
HeartsCry©

The drugstore cowboy
Railed into town
Boots spit shined
White stetson for his crown

The fair young maiden
Looked upon him in awe
Royalty within songs
Is what she heard and saw

The music drifted
Filling the air
As heart strings captured
The young maiden fair

She knew it was all
Just a musical dream
For the next notes to hear
Was the locomotive's scream...
gigi©

He was lost in a song
She knew was all-wrong
Because before too long
The train would move along
And the chill of dusk would call
Out to a man not so tall
That sought out to watch him fall
And to see his blood splattered on the wall
But she didn't tell him
She knew she couldn't sell him
His end would come on whim
By a man that sought him
And as he played on
Her tears fell upon
The sand he'd travel
The land they'd unravel
To bury at least one
Of these men before the sun
Would shine again upon this land
Upon these men filled with songs and sin.
NightScribe©

Coal vapors ...sting the air.
chugging sounds...
happy sighs.. and whoopies.
as people.. hurry by.

The train station..
a trip out of town..
for me....

Tickets in my hand.
and dreams of anticipation.

An adventure...
to see family
and more of the country.

In wonderment ...
I savor the scents
and sounds.

the voices.
the noises.

the music?
guitar... music?

stroming...
dancing hands..
a magnet to the soul
it draws..

A child watches ...
and hums....
familiar tunes...

And then the Toot toot
of the train whistles
calling me ...to leave this
temporary fantasy.

And begin
my trip out of town..
to the real adventure
just ahead...

As I watch ...and wave

He continues to play
he does it ..
with no effort seemingly

A parting smile...
and a well timed
tip of his hat..

And the cheerful child,
grins... at that...
gentle stroming cowboy

And up I step...
into the future.
an adventure to be
continued...

And a memory made
to keep forever...

Of my first trip to a Train Station.
TheFantasy©

Get long little doggies we're heading to town
To the auction we're going to the market you're bound

I'll shower and shave and have a stiff drink
The ladies I'll dazzle with my singing I think

I'll play them a tune and yodel a song
With a silvery voice how can I go wrong?
te_mpt_ed©

The sun was setting enflaming the sky
In brilliant colors
Casting a deeper spell of love on them both
The vintage train museum
Opening day had been a huge success
She was tired but oh so happy
He was feeling the same way
His laughing eyes told her so
She was his and
He was hers
The music was soft and sweet
And was everything to him
As he played it for her
He put all his passion and desire
For her in every chord
He knew she felt it
As a current of electricity seemed to flow
Between them binding them as one
He sensed her moods
As she sensed his
It was magical an unspoken understanding
Of trust and love
Words were inadequate and unnecessary
Especially at times like these
When their souls and minds were touching and feeling
Exploring and embracing all the wonder and joy
They both felt at such a touch
His loving music told her so much for the words
Touched her deeply in her soul
Just knowing he was singing only for her to her
Made her feel safe and warm
Yes it had been a wonderful day
Fulfilling all her fantasies and dreams
And it seemed the cowboy
Was bound to stay for all her days and tomorrows
Lady_Valor©

Was early as the sun rose high,
Watching the carriages roll on by.
We were going to pick up Uncle Jim from the train,
Wouldn't ya know it started to rain.

Uncle Jim was tall and strong as a cypress tree,
He used to take me fishing back in 1823.
When we wasn't goofing off or swimmin,
He was in the saloons singing for the women.

He played an old box guitar,
Singing for his friends near and far.
Uncle Jim was loved by all,
Young, old, thin, fat and the tall.

Memories of Uncle Jim mist my eyes,
For now his death car arrives.
They pull out the box in which Uncle Jim lays,
His haunting voice in my mind it stays.
Queen.Amethyst©

As she gazes upon the cowboy who sings his song
oh how the country girl wishes that she hadn't done him wrong

As she looks deeply into his eyes,
Though to tell him she loves him but she's hypnotized.

His song comes from his heart as he smiles when he plays,
Gazing upon him again as she kneels beside him as though to pray.

The music pierces the country girls heart,
That makes her realize that they could never part.

The country girl wish if from her heart,
The cowboy realizes now he loved her from the start.
King-CeB©

Piercing the dawn the steam whistle blows
announcing its arrival at the depot she rolls
townsfolk scurry about at the iron maiden's landing
to help disembark treasures she's commanding

With hope eternal and dreams all but visions
who could say nay to a westward ambition
grided with strength, resolve and no money
the westward wind whispers, 'milk and honey'

Pioneering the spirit of those who ventured
into the unknown a fearsome adventure
to become known to us the spirit of yesteryears
tending the soil bought with blood sweat and tears

Piercing the dreams of the wild west frontier
the iron maiden is summoned, put into gear
Many did answer the conductor's yell, "All aboard!"
and that's how the Westward Spirit was born
Reina©

Like the liquor, he was named Johnny Walker Red
Cause it was a one night stand, that's all his Pa said
Bullied by all the Uncles, spending the nights with his Ma
He never heard a good word said about the man who was his Pa
His Ma moved without telling him when he was at school one day
Johnny seemed to learn all of life's lessons the hardest way
Luck was on his side though it always seemed to keep him out of jail
But his actions said that someday he would surely end up in hell
His life on the streets was a constant act of survival and crime
Till he stole a guitar he had nothing better to do with his time
He started on a street corner singing the only song he knew
When a man walking by handed him a dollar saying this is for you
It was plain even to him he'd never be a Grand Ole Opery star
But by legal panhandling he was sure he could go twice as far
Thirty years later and still playing for loose change on the street
He has been heard to say, life's had me down but it never had me beat
Bear1Mage©

She looked up at him with adoring eyes
Much like a puppy's soulful eyes
They held a note of wistfulness
The voice of an unspoken wish

'How I'd love to play like him
My fingers causing the gitar to sing'

He is my idol, my guiding star
Because of him I shall go far
This is yet unknown to me
But he has set my spirit free

As she listens, the music she hears
Tells her she shall overcome her fears
Strong and confident she shall be
When the music of her spirit is finally free

She has many years to go
Before the light inside will fully glow
The door has opened just a bit
As if a candle inside was lit

Through her life as she grows
The knowledge that she gains and knows
Will help her push the door open wide
And release the light that is inside

It all started there, at the train that day
As I stood and watched the man strum away
His gitar telling stories of future and past
How was I to know the effect on me would last

Yet to this day I hear his song
It travels through me sure and strong
And though I never learned his name
I know because of him I am not the same

So I sing my song, vibrant, strong and free
As a way to thank him for helping me find me
ShadowWhysper©

Darkest eve who asked me to be rued
cold black train will take my love away
iron wheeled machine can't break you
windows of despair can I take another day?
Dishearten is so heavy my life...my baby
is burdening my heart and I can't play
naught I feel I am I'm missing you already
words are pouring down, words full of pain.
Draining emotions now we will grow apart
my voice is grating echoing the crux
a land so empty...my shattered heart
the visions of tomorrow the why I'm sad.
__Forbidden_©

It was her first time in a bar
And all the sights and sounds
Fascinated her immensely
As she gazed around

The loud chatter & hollering
Of mostly drunken men
The clanging together of beer mugs
And Them cheering yet again

Overpowering the stench of stale beer
Thick and smokey the air
The odor wafting from the men's room
She wondered why she was there

With a glance she saw him
Sitting alone across the room
With cowboy hat .......& guitar in hand
Strumming out country western tunes

The tunes grasping her attention
Drawing her in closer with each note
She continued gazing across at the man
Until across the room she did float

Stopping directly in front
Of the cowboy playing guitar
Listening intensely to the words & tunes
Wondering who had broken his heart
Nikk_stars©

I'm a roaming cowboy, riding all day long-
I ride along singing a tune, deep inside my heart-
I carry our song-
Carson City, is my home, yet I am so far away and alone-
I've got a gal that's is so true-
Makes my head spin the whole day through-
Just a thought of her makes me smile-
Even when she's a brat she makes me wild-
I got this passion, I never knew was there-
What's scary is she is the one that makes me care-
I can't always say to her what's on my mind-
But some how she knows all the time-
I play my tunes to raise her spirits-
She just sits and smiles, and pretends she hears it-
She can give me hope to fight battles beyond my strengths-
Her commitment to her faith, flows into my spirit-
I feel dizzy, I feel weak, not knowing what she thinks-
Someday I will steal her heart, as she has stolen mine-
Then together we will live in eternity of time-
I got a gal that is so true-
Makes my head and soul spin all nite through.
Life Warrior©

Weeks on the prairie driving cattle
Rear end is sore from time in the saddle
Looks forward to seeing the gals in their skirts
And time in a tub removing the dirt

The rest of his journey, he'll travel by rail
Finally he'll get off the old dusty trail
Saying so long to his one night stand
Cause the ring he wears is a wedding band

Getting away from his heartfelt pain
He'll take the trip back upon the train
The ribbon of rail evens the grade
Mistakes of the past will surely fade

The ribbons of rail are held by the ties
Can wedded bliss withstand any lies
Back on track, getting on with his life
Back to the arms of his loving wife
mwm©
.............................................................................................................