[Introduction]
I've been workin' so hard, baby
Tryin' to get to you
I'm gonna be there soon because

[Verse 1: Jeff Lynne]
In the heat of the day many miles away
When the sun is beating down upon the main street
I'll be waiting here at the station
I gotta move down the line
They'll be dancin' and singin' and doin' their thing
And they'll be rockin' and rollin' until the day is done
You know I got to make the deadline

[Chorus]
I gotta get that southbound train tonight, ooh
If I don't get to the border then I'll write

[Verse 2: Jeff Lynne]
The Mardi Gras will be blowing strong
And the people dancing all across the city
I'm leaving here tonight
I gotta move down the line
I'm gonna catch a ride on the nine-o-five
I'm gonna ride the rails until we reach the morning
Maybe three or four hundred miles

[Chorus]
I gotta get that southbound train tonight, ooh
If I don't get to the border then I'll write

[Instrumental solo]

[Verse 3: Jeff Lynne]
When the wind is blowing softly
Through the streets of a little town and the music's playin'
You're waiting somewhere over the horizon

[Chorus]
I gotta get that southbound train tonight, ooh
If I don't get to the border then I'll write

You know I'm comin', baby, Ooh-ooh-ah
You know I'm comin', baby, Ooh-ooh-ah
Ooh-ooh-ah
Ooh-ooh-ah