Hey, porter, hey porter! Would you tell me the time

How much longer will it be 'til we cross that Mason-Dixon Line

At daylight will you tell that engineer to slow it down

Or better still, just stop the train 'cause I want to look around



Hey, porter, hey porter! What time did you say

How much longer will it be 'til I can see the light of day

When we hit Dixie will you tell that engineer to ring his bell

And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell



Hey, porter, hey porter! It's getting light outside

This old train is puffin' smoke and I have to strain my eyes

But ask that engineer if he will blow his whistle please

'Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves, and I feel that southern breeze



Hey, porter, hey porter! Please get my bags for me

I need nobody to tell me now that we're in Tennessee

Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream

We're not so far from home so take it easy on the steam



Hey, porter, hey porter! Please open up the door

When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first 'cause I can't wait no more

Tell that engineer I say, thanks a lot, and I didn't mind the fare

I'm gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air