One dark stormy night not a star was in sight   The north wind came howlin' down the line   There stood a brave engineer with his sweetheart so dear    His orders to pull old No 9   She kissed him goodbye with a tear in her eye   But the joy in his heart he couldn't hide   The whole world seemed bright for she told him that night   That tomorrow she'd be his blushing bride   The wheels hummed a song as the train rolled along   The black smoke came a pouring from the stack   The headlight agleam seemed to brighten his dream   Of tomorrow when he'd be coming back   He sped 'round the hill and his brave heart stood still   Headlight was shining in his face   He whispered a prayer as he threw on the air   For he knew this would be his final race   [ guitar ]   In the wreck he was found lying there on the ground   He asked them to raise his weary head   His breath slowly went at this message he sent   To the maiden who thought she would be wed   There's a little white home that I built for our own   Where I dreamed we'd be happy you and I   But I leave it to you for I know you'll be true   Till we meet at the golden gate goodbye