Jack the Whistle and the Hammer

On that long linin’ day, all work and little to no good pay
When that sun go away they all come to hear the duo play

They call him whistle because of the way he sings
And the hammer, because of the way he swing
They did a little bit of Rosie too, Long John, and the Old Grey Goose

Up on the river they would jump and shout
You could see the whole company bouncing
A little rhythm and melody, up jumped the devil and held on me

Jack the whistle and the hammer
Jack the whistle and the hammer
Had to listen til the moon went down
Tick tock the rhythm went all night long

Tell me now, have you heard
Sweet sound better than a songbird
Like that steam engine blow, rhythm of the Northern Ohio

I bet you never even seen a hammer swing
Hit a line on the track and make a bell ring
Nobody knew his given name, but they knew him well just the same

Up on the river he and Jack would lead
The whole company up on their feet there
Tryin to shake off the workin week, two step a swinging in howlin heat

Jack the whistle and the hammer
Jack the whistle and the hammer
Had to listen til the moon went down
Tick tock the rhythm went all night long