Lyrics: Eliza R. Snow
Music: Eliza R. Snow
Payed by Jerry Garcia with the Log Cabin Boys in a one-off performance in 1986. All that was sung were the first and last
verses below, plus the chorus.
Life is like a mountain railway
With an engineer that’s brave
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave
Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hands upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
Chorus
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore
Where the angels wait to join us
In Thy praise forevermore
You will roll up grades of trial
You will cross the bridge of strife
See that Christ is your conductor
On this lightning train of life
Always mindful of obstruction
Do your duty, never fail
Keep your hands upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
[chorus]
You will often find obstructions
Look for storms and wind and rain
On a fill, or curve, or trestle
They will almost ditch your train
Put your trust alone in Jesus
Never falter, never fail
Keep your hands upon the throttle
And your eyes upon the rail
[chorus]
As you roll across the trestle
Spanning Jordan’s swelling tide
You behold the Union Depot
Into which your train will glide
There you’ll meet the Superintendent
God the Father, God the Son
With the hearty, joyous plaudit
Weary Pilgrim, welcome home
[chorus]