Old Time River Man Lyrics

John Hartford Old Time River Man

Where does an old time river man go
After he's passed away
Does his soul still keep a watch on the deep
For the rest of his river days
Does he then come back as a channel cat
Or the wasp that lied on the wheat
Or the birds that fly through summer sky
Or the fish swimmin' under the key

Where does an old time pilot go
After he stood his last watch
Does he fall by the ear of the man who steers
Sayin' "Hold her on that notch"

There's a gentle sneeze in the river breeze
It's sayin' "Son I'm goin' to bed"
And the light that [?] and go off in the night
Or was it fireflies instead

Where does an old time engineer go
After he's cooled her down
Gone up the hill to never come back
On the quiet side of town
Does his soul live on in the engine's soul
While the striker checks the gears
Is he still afloat on an old steam boat
After he's gone from here