cd: Relic of a Bygone Day
track 1: Orphan Train
Cities choked with more abandoned children
Orphanages bulging at the seams
All those mothers lost at childbirth
Broken fathers drink away their dreams
There’s a train that’s heading westward
From the cities to the plains
For the worse or for the better
Your life will be changed
On the orphan train
This could be your lucky morning
The orphan train
Be the start of your new life
The orphan train
Smile and curtsy to the farmer
And his barren wife
The orphan train
They may want you for their family
The orphan train
They may want you for their gain
The orphan train
Either way don’t be the last child
Sadly to remain
On the orphan train
Iowa took on your little sister
The couple said they couldn’t manage two
Crying and goodbying in the station
She’s so young she’ll not remember you
Now the numbers dwindled to a handful
Soon they’ll have to turn this train around
Squealing brakes and then you’re at a standstill
They parade you out another town
Chorus
The missionary matron
She’s done everything she can
To try and make a stranger take a chance
You’re so frail she sees
The apprehension in their eyes
You don’t even get that second glance
Last stop here in Southern Minnesota
Pickings slim the choice is down to two
There’s a woman smiling with a baby in her arms
It’s almost like she’s looking right at you
Then her husband moves a few steps forward
Takes a knee and looks you in the eye
Asks if you would like to join their family
You nod your head and smile and start to cry
Chorus
© 2018 All Rights Reserved
Dulahan Music
Written by Kyle Aughe