Spanish Train

Album: Spanish Train And Other Stories (1975)
Play Video
  • There's a Spanish train that runs between
    Guadalquivir and old Saville
    And at dead of night the whistle blows
    And people hear she's running still

    And then they hush their children back to sleep
    Lock the doors, upstairs they creep
    For it is said that the souls of the dead
    Fill that train ten thousand deep

    Well a railwayman lay dying with his people by his side
    His family were crying, knelt in prayer before he died
    But above his bed just a waiting for the dead
    Was the Devil with a twinkle in his eye
    Well God's not around and look what I've found, this one's mine

    Just then the Lord himself appeared in a blinding flash of light
    And shouted at the Devil, get thee hence to endless night
    But the Devil just grinned and said I may have sinned
    But there's no need to push me around
    I got him first so you can do your worst
    He's going underground

    But I think I'll give you one more chance
    Said the Devil with a smile
    So throw away that stupid lance
    It's really not your style
    Joker is the name, poker is the game
    We'll play right here on this bed
    And then we'll bet for the biggest stakes yet
    The souls of the dead

    And I said look out, Lord, He's going to win
    The sun is down and the night is riding in
    That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
    Oh Lord, He's going to win

    Well the railwayman he cut the cards
    And he dealt them each a hand of five
    And for the Lord, he was praying hard
    Or that train he'd have to drive
    Well the Devil he had three aces and a king
    And the Lord, he was running for a straight
    He had the queen and the knave and nine and ten of spades
    All he needed was the eight

    And then the Lord he called for one more card
    But he drew the diamond eight
    And the Devil said to the son of God
    I believe you've got it straight
    So deal me one for the time has come
    To see who'll be the king of this place
    But as he spoke, from beneath his cloak
    He slipped another ace

    Ten thousand souls was the opening bid
    And it soon went up to fifty nine
    But the Lord didn't see what the Devil did
    And he said that suits me fine
    I'll raise you high to a hundred and five
    And forever put an end to your sins
    But the Devil let out a mighty shout, my hand wins

    And I said Lord, oh Lord, you let him win
    The sun is down and the night is riding in
    That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
    Oh Lord, don't let him win

    Well that Spanish train still runs between
    Guadalquivir and old Saville
    And at dead of night the whistle blows
    And people fear she's running still

    And far away in some recess
    The Lord and the Devil are now playing chess
    The Devil still cheats and wins more souls
    And as for the Lord, well, he's just doing his best

    And I said Lord, oh Lord, you've got to win
    The sun is down and the night is riding in
    That train is still on time, oh my soul is on the line
    Oh Lord, you've got to win Writer/s: CHRIS DE BURGH
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."