Western Plains

From the Album Living In A Rich Man’s World

I haven’t got a nickel
I haven’t got a dime
Out of work
With trouble on my mind
Out on the western plains

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

With each day that I am gone
I pray no wrong comes to you
While I’m out looking for a job
Out on the western plains

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

Through each town I have seen
People like me or soon to be
Out of work looking for a job
Out on the western plains

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

But I’m told there’s work to be found
Work to be found in a North Dakota town
Working on an oil rig
Or for the coal companies

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

I don’t know Lord, how I will feel
How will I feel, how will I feel
Strip mining coal
On farmers’ fields
Out on the western plains

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

As I look across these fields
Of golden wheat, I wonder
How much coal
Will they dig
Out on the western plains

Can’t you hear that whistle blowing
Can you feel that freight train rolling
Moving down the line
Out on the western plains

Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1981; Renewed 2025 | BMI

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