Lyrics

I came across the ocean back in 1929
They gave me a new name in the immigration line
Me and dad we worked the fields ‘til summer days grew cold
Then we worked the railroad

I was fetching water for the men who laid the tracks
Seattle to Chicago on the labor of their backs
Men of every color together as a team
Building an American dream

Workin’ the hi-line, workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, until it’s quitting time

18 years and on my own when daddy left for good
I promised him I’d go back home but I knew I never would
The Empire Builder brought me here and this is where I’ll stay
I’ll raise a family here someday

Workin’ the hi-line, workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, until it’s quitting time

I taught myself some instruments and started up a band
I learned to cook and how to fish and how to work the land
This country is my home now and this is where I’ll die
Under the big Montana sky

Workin’ the hi-line, workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, until it’s quitting time
Workin’ the hi-line, workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, until it’s quitting time