Johnny Cash The Engineer`s Dying Child Lyrics

The Engineer`s Dying Child Lyrics

A little child on a sickbed lay, 

And death was very near.

He was
the pride and the only child of a railroad engineer.



His duty had
called him from those he loved,

And seeing that hope was dim.

While
a tear he shed to his wife he said, “Just have two lanterns trimmed."



(Chorus)

Just hang a light when I pass tonight.

Hang it where it
can be seen.

If the baby's dead then show the red.

If he's better
then show the green.



In a little shack,

By the railroad
track,

A mother with watchful eyes.

Saw a gleam of hope in a tender
smile, 

As the train went rushing by,

Just one short look,

Was
his only chance?

To see the light a gleam.

In the midnight air their
rose a prayer. 

Thank god the light was green.



(Chorus)

Just hang a light when I pass tonight.

Hang it where it can be
seen.

If the baby's dead then show the red.

If he's better then
show the green.