Ode to Steel and Stone

In the mountains past the hills of a mole
Lives a creature that runs on steam and coal
It rides two lines and carries burdens by the ton
Behind the pines feel a fire that shames the sun

Destiny it ain't a thing to manifest
Unleash the demon just to tame the Wild West
Burned up the life of every able-bodied man
Traded out his family for a hammer in his hands

It takes claim to the land that God forsakes
Feeds on the bones of every single soul it takes
It keeps a-rolling right on down to San Antone
Nails of steel and hills of stone

Close to Hell where the Rockies meet the Plains
I am a slave and the tracks they are my chains
Forced to work for life moving granite in the night
Death by the knife that they call dynamite

Shadow of an angel held me from the blast
I breathed my breath again he breathed his last
Blood marks the hilltop where sacrifice was shown
Nails of steel and hills of stone

Buried in a coffin that was made from railroad ties
Everyone knows that it's where the wrong man lies
Preacher said some words about burden, guilt, and shame
I broke down crying when he prayed in His name

Guilty running free oh while innocence is scorned
An old rugged tree and a braided crown of thorns
Blood marks that hilltop to atone
Nails of steel and hills of stone

I owe my life to this alone
Nails of steel and hills of stone