Workin' on the railroad for a dollar a day
   Workin' on the railroad for a dollar a day
   Workin' on the railroad for a dollar a day
   Gotta earn my money, boys, gotta earn my pay
  
   Take this hammer, take it to the captain
   Take this hammer, take it to the captain
   Take this hammer, take it to the captain
   Tell him I'm gone, buddy, you can tell him I'm gone
  
   If he asks ya, was I laughin'
   If he asks ya, was I laughin'
   If he asks ya, was I laughin'
   Tell him I'm cryin, buddy, tell him I'm cryin'
  
   Take this hammer (etc)