(I resently went to a big homecomin' celebration In Cleveland County Arkansas where I was born Whole family went down and there was a great day for us I felt like this day was special especially for my mother and my daddy Though it was daddy's and mama's homecomin' And I was so proud of 'em ridin' that carriage Down the Main Street of Rison Arkansas Sometimes the songs I write sound like talkin' about myself But actually in some of these songs Especially this one I'm writin' about my daddy)
Ridin' on the Cotton Belt Cleveland County's where I long to be I got onto Brinkley and every mile I make is a memory This boxcar's cold and windy and the dust goes around in circles in the air But my hard times are behind me and I'm returnin' home so I don't care And I'm ridin' on the Cotton Belt railroad line In the pitchin' rolling rhythm and the noise Railroad men are friends of mine and I'm ridin' on the Cotton Belt boys
Ridin' on the Cotton Belt across that little river called Saline That's where I went fishin' and I hunted in her bottoms as a teen Now just ahead's a farmhouse and in the kitchen window there's a light And I've just got fourteen dollars but I'm taking it myself home tonight And I'm ridin' on the Cotton Belt...
Jumpin' off the Cotton Belt ain't easy when she's going forty per But I see my wife standin' there hoping that I'm coming home to her I got a few new cuts and bruises but this old working hobo's made a home So long to your Cotton Belt thank you for the ride keep rolling on I'm ridin' on the Cotton Belt...
