Back in 1870

Just beneath the Great White Way

Alfred Beach worked secretly

Risking all to ride a dream

His wind machine

His wind machine



New York City and the morning sun

Were awoken by the strangest sound

Reportedly as far as Washington

The tremors shook the earth

As Alfie blew underground

Blew underground, he blew underground



Ah, all aboard Sub Rosa Subway

Had you wondered

Who's been digging under Broadway

It's Alfred

Poor Al, oh no, Al



As for America's first subway

The public scoffed

"It's far too crude"

One station filled with Victoria's Age

>From frescoed walls

And goldfish fountains

To Brahmsian tunes