Verse 1 — Love & Hate I loved her more than Sunday, Hated him worse than sin. He stole her heart on a Friday night, And I swore I’d never forgive again. But love’s a crooked railroad, And hate’s a broken track. I tried to outrun both of them, But they kept pulling me back. Verse 2 — Tragedy That train was howlin’ midnight, Rain was fallin’ cold and thin. I saw her standing on the platform With tears she tried to hold in. She said, “Life ain’t always fair, son, And choices cut you deep.” Then the whistle cried like a wounded soul And carried her from me. Chorus — Joy & Pain Together Steel rails and shackled hearts, Both can drag a man along. One will take you far from home, One will keep you holding on. I’ve been lost, I’ve been found, I’ve been right and I’ve been wrong. But joy still rises in the dust When life keeps rolling on. Verse 3 — Prison Now I’m staring through these iron bars, Counting days like falling rain. Judge said I had a temper And a fist I couldn’t restrain. But even in this darkness, I hear her voice so clear. Singing soft like a Sunday hymn, “Baby, better days are near.” Chorus — Full Steel rails and shackled hearts, Both can drag a man along. One will take you far from home, One will keep you holding on. I’ve been lost, I’ve been found, I’ve been right and I’ve been wrong. But joy still rises in the dust When life keeps rolling on. Dobro Break — Train Whistle Style Final Chorus — Lifted Steel rails and shackled hearts, Still they carry me somehow. I’ve been broken, I’ve been blessed, But I’m standing taller now. If love can free a prisoner, Then I ain’t gone too far. ’Cause joy keeps shining through the smoke Like a headlight in the dark.
