1. |
||||
|
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s
swiftly rolling
Hannibal to St. Louis, MO
Silver streaking a piece down
through Missouri
She was cheered where ever she would go
to Burlington then
coming back home
shovel nose down on the rail
She was cramped and overcrowded
but she sped on and carried back the mail
The smoothest thing here in the country
envied by all railroad lines
She moved down the steel in her beauty
past crossings and painted railroad signs.
She’s so smooth and never lost her romance
memory still lingers on today.
Now when people speak about her
she’s esteemed in the most respected way.
Inside of history
she’s been dubbed a legend
moving on portraying railroad pride.
Her institution will go on forever
from the first to her last historic ride.
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s
alive and cruising
through the foothills of our memory
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s clock
is still a ticking
living in our minds eternally.
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s still living.
In my mind I see her again
when I close my eyes.
I’m dreaming of her splendor and
how she looked back then.
The Mark Twain Zephyr
|
||||
2. |
America’s New Friend
01:35
|
|||
|
She rises from the ashes
like a phoenix from the past
restored in all her splendor
she’s come to life at last.
For years she lay in shambles
they said she’d never run
but see her now she’s shining
jet streaming in the sun.
She came to life excited
here futures bright ahead
They’ll turn down other coaches
to ride with her instead.
She’ll blaze into tomorrow
in forever’s wonderland
that silver streak now shining
like the railroad master planned
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s alive
they said she’d never go
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s alive
and she’s hear to let you know.
That silver streak is shining
she’s now the latest trend
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s alive
America’s new friend.
|
||||
3. |
||||
|
The Pony Express grew old and died
“Now. what will we do?, the people cried.”
The CB&Q said, “We have a plan.”
“We’ll lay some iron across this land.”
Their road of steel was smooth as glass.
The vision of thinkers had come to pass.
A four-car missile like a shot on the go
named Becky, Tom, Huck and Injun Joe.
Four main players in Mark Twain’s book.
She’d sail down the track with her streamlined look.
9903 named Injun Joe
St. Louis to Iowa through Hannibal, MO
She shot through here on the rails of time.
The Mark Twain Zephyr in her splendorous prime.
Sam’s granddaughter, Nina Clemens by name
christened the Zephyr and brought her to fame.
Still lives in my mind like a ghost from the past.
Saw her once and the die was cast.
Can’t ever forget that silver streak
as she flew across the towns Bear Creek.
Guess she’ll live in my mind a day and forever.
The monarch on rails the Mark Twain Zephyr.
|
||||
4. |
||||
|
Old men playing checkers
recall the days of yore
when the Mark Twain Zephyr
ran that Mississippi shore.
Sounding out the whistle
she slid along the rail.
Hauling folks for pleasure
while she carried back the mail.
Shining sleek and silver
she glistened in the sun.
Folks came out to see her
as she made her daily run.
History tells the story
a treasure lost and gone.
As long as we have pictures
her sweet memory lingers on.
Pulling back the curtains
of time we glance again.
Lovers on a train ride
honeymooning way back then.
Others talking, laughing
some snooze along the way.
She just keeps on rolling
bringing mail in every day.
When I stop and listen,
I hear that diesel moan.
Like she’s talking to me
from an old time telephone.
I still think about her
and what old timers said.
Miracles can happen
she could raise up from the dead.
The Mark Twain Zephyr’s a memory
from pages long ago
If you close your eyes you’ll faintly hear
that long lost whistle blow.
Passing fields and woodlands
then stopping in our town.
As long as there are memories,
she’ll always be around.
|
||||
5. |
||||
|
Welcome all aboard now
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad ride
Welcome all aboard now
Attention the old conductor cried.
Step up fill the coaches
fifteen miles of satin railroad track
Shytown and North Western
to Spooner and Springbrook coming back
Rising waves of chatter
they’re buzzing excitements in the air
Seats all fill with strangers
acquainted though they’re from everywhere
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
thrills us with stories from the past.
One happy trainload of memories
giving us a history that will last.
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
whispering through corridors of time.
She just keeps on moving forward
proud to show the world she’s in her prime.
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
Name Kagon River
we’re streaming on through St. Croix Park
trip is laced with pleasure
you’re spellbound the moment you embark.
Road bed hundred years old
designed and created by the best.
Some said she’d never make it
those fables have all been laid to rest.
Come on take a train ride
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad kind.
Sit back enjoy the journey
This railroad was built with you in mind.
|
||||
6. |
Sailing on a Zephyr Ride
04:12
|
|||
|
LET’S GO SAILING ON A ZEPHYR RIDE
WARMED BY ALL THE COMFORT FELT INSIDE
YOU’LL BE LIFTED TO A SCENIC HIGH
YOU’RE IN A STORYBOOK
JUST PASSING BY
MEMORIES RETURN FROM LONG AGO
TOM AND BECKY, HUCK AND INJUN JOE
THEY’RE SWEET BREEZES FROM A HAPPY PAST
THEY’RE FEELINGS THAT WE LET GO BY TOO FAST
SWEEPING US INTO TOMORROW LAND
SATISFYING NEEDS THAT THRILLS DEMAND
EVEN THINGS YOU’VE NEVER DREAMED BEFORE
NOSTALGIA WAITS FOR YOU INSIDE THE DOOR
THE MARK TWAIN ZEPHYR IS FLYIN’
ON A CURRENT HIGH
LIKE WAY UP IN THE SKY ABOVE
TO A PLACE OF WONDER
WHERE ALL IS WELL
YOU’RE IN A SPELL
IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE IN LOVE
THE MARK ZEPHYR’S FLYIN’
GUESS THERE’S NO DENYIN’
OUR DREAMS AND FANTASIES HAVE ALL COME TRUE
THE MARK TWAIN ZEPHYR IS WAITING THERE FOR
|
||||
7. |
||||
|
The Big River Steampunk Festival
in historic Hannibal MO
for wonder and adventure
It’s a thrilling place to go.
We have airships and diesels
and steam train fantasies.
Fanciful bright colors
gift wrapped in memories.
|
||||
8. |
||||
|
So, Steampunk is here
these are the glorious days
Reliving the past
yet there’s new trails to blaze.
The wild, wild west
has invaded our town
where nuts and bolts
and new gadgets abound.
Penny-Farthing was seen
looking down on the crowd.
Bicycle Machine
had them cheering out loud.
The Pope would expound
the stage was huge gears
Stirring hearts to react
with laughter or tears.
And all would be blest
when they’d slow walk away
adventuring forth
pursuing the day.
Close packed in the streets
it’s a gala parade
with fancy costumes
and the frills that they made.
Girls’ parasols spin
They have big hats and gloves.
They’re proud of their wares
Glitz that everyone loves.
Some men sporting beards
other mustache and boots
Look dapper and prance
in those old timey suits.
Burlesque and they twirl
a performers delight
These eye-catching thrills
last for four days and nights.
So, others should know
of our festival here.
Go, tell all your friends
come see us next year.
|
||||
9. |
City of Murals
03:34
|
|||
|
So, they tell some wondrous tales
about the days of old.
If you stop and look and listen
soon these story’s will unfold.
All the pictures are a gift
from folks who did their best
to preserve historic treasure
with a passion well expressed.
They arrive from everywhere
awestricken at the sight.
They’re excited taking photo’s
it's buzzing day and night.
These are priceless works of art
wrapped in a timeless bow.
We are famous for our murals
and we want the world to know.
We are the city of murals
America’s home town
and we’re proud to share our story
of these legends that abound.
You can delve into our history.
It’s not that far to go.
We are the city of murals
here in Hannibal, MO.
Hannibal’s alive and moving.
new magic in the air
All these paintings are enchanting
and their beauties everywhere.
They are truly artist marvels
of today and decades past.
Though we slumbered for awhile
we have come to life at last.
We are the city of murals
America’s home town
and we’re proud to share our story
of these legends that abound.
You can delve into our history.
It’s not that far to go.
We are the city of murals
here in Hannibal, MO.
Just a few strokes of a paint brush
have made those dreams come true.
If you’re bursting with creation
it can happen just for you.
As we move into tomorrow
from our golden yesterday.
We’re alive with all the memories
that these images portray.
We are the city of murals
America’s home town
and we’re proud to share our story
of these legends that abound.
You can delve into our history.
It’s not that far to go.
We are the city of murals
here in Hannibal, MO.
|
||||
Songs About Hannibal Missouri Hannibal, Missouri
Songs About Hannibal Missouri is a brother/sister songwriting team that have created this project to honor the history of Hannibal, Missouri and the Mark Twain Zephyr train. You can hear these songs on the train as you ride!
If you like Songs About Hannibal Missouri, you may also like:
Dark Wheels Turn Above Our Heads
by Lewis Burner
Hard-edged alt-country that draws on the pinwheeling melodies of bluegrass and classic folk, bolstering them with pounding rhythms.
go to album
When Carolina Comes Home Again
by Jim Lauderdale
The latest from Jim Lauderdale is exclusive to Bandcamp, its songs drawing on bluegrass, country, and classic American music.
go to album
The latest from Jim Lauderdale is a showcase for his heavily-detailed songwriting and soaring country melodies.
go to album
Cuttin’ Grass - Vol.1 (The Butcher Shoppe Sessions)
by Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson's first bluegrass album, what he calls "a mixtape for the fans," was created after his recovery from Covid-19.
go to album
The latest from acclaimed country musician Bonnie Montgomery delivers the raw, rustic sound for which she’s known.
go to album
Radiant country music lit up by pedal steel and sparkling guitar, centered on heart-stirring vocal melodies.
go to album
Hailing from Houston, Alien Eyelid make Grateful Dead-ish psychedelic alt-country with a distinctly twangy Southern rock tinge.
go to album
