long time coming, short time here, remembered for love

or remembered by tears

when looking for answers they are always near, if you want to see them

was an old bloke who walked the tracks, most said he was crazy

decided to find out for myself

so i spotted him walking one morning in the rain, i stopped my car and climbed the fence

he never looked at me we walked in silence

after an hour in started to speak,” my name is Sam and my son’s name was Pete,

He worked for the railroad and maintained this line, he was a good worker and got along fine,

he didn’t hear so well and everyone knew to listen out for trains that where traveling through,

but they left him alone and went to a bar, Pete didn’t drink and stayed by himself,

so he never heard the whistle of the 4:09, and as it rounded the curve it rolled over my son.

The crew was let go and I lost a son, who was the salt of the earth. So I come out here and walk everyday,

when i hear the train i get out of the way. I talk to Pete and He talks to me and I am sharing this with You because you cared enough to hear it from me.

One last thing before you go, when in doubt give, it may be your last chance.”

I see Sam every now and then and when I hear people say bad things about Him, i speak up and say,

”Excuse me but you are talking about my friend.”