Verse 1 A June sunshine in Iowa's sky, Seventeen years old and I wondered why, Mom said, "Buddy, let's take a little drive," Didn't know the best day of my life would arrive. Down in Ottumwa by the old main line, I heard a whistle echo soft and fine, Then through the distance, black smoke curled, And Santa Fe thirty seven fifty one rolled into my world. Pre-Chorus Three red Warbonnets shining behind, Silver coaches stretching down the line, But there was something I couldn't see, A birthday surprise waiting there for me. Chorus 'Cause Lola made the plan, And Hermione lent a hand, Oona kept the secret, Camilla helped them understand, Mindy smiled and said, "Buddy, close your eyes awhile," Then the doors swung open wide, And everybody started to smile. There was an orange and silver Oreo cake, Candles one and seven shining bright, And aboard that Santa Fe special train, My dreams came true that night. Verse 2 Lola laughed in her silver hoodie light, Camilla hugged me saying, "Happy birthday tonight!" Hermione grinned and gave me a card, While Oona said, "Keeping secrets sure is hard." Mindy brought the music and the laughter too, And all my friends sang like they always do, Through the coach windows the prairie rolled by, With evening stars appearing in the Iowa sky. Pre-Chorus Steam from thirty seven fifty one rose high above, And I could feel nothing but friendship and love, Seventeen candles and memories to keep, Moments like these are treasures so deep. Chorus 'Cause Lola made the plan, And Hermione lent a hand, Oona kept the secret, Camilla helped them understand, Mindy smiled and said, "Buddy, make a birthday wish," And the Santa Fe rolled through the twilight, Like a dream you can't dismiss. There was an orange and silver Oreo cake, Candles one and seven shining bright, And aboard that Santa Fe special train, Everything felt just right. Bridge Warbonnets eight forty four, eight forty two, and eight forty are behind, Rolling like a picture frozen in time, Twelve silver coaches and friends by my side, Seventeen years young on the ride of my life. Final Chorus Lola, Hermione, Oona and Camilla, Mindy too, every smile familiar, And as the whistle sang into the night, I knew everything would be alright. With an orange and silver Oreo cake, And seventeen candles burning bright, Aboard the Santa Fe Employee Special, I celebrated my seventeenth birthday tonight. Outro So if you hear that whistle someday, And see old thirty seven fifty one come your way, Remember dreams are worth holding on to, And friendship makes them all come true. "Happy birthday, Buddy..."
