Hey, Porter

Johnny Cash

Hey, Porter
Hey Porter
Would you tell me the time?
How much longer will it be
'Til we cross that Mason Dixon Line?
At daylight would you tell that engineer to slow it down
Or better still, just stop the train
'Cause I want to look around

Hey, Porter
Hey, Porter
What time did you say?
How much longer will it be
'Til I can see the light of day?
When we hit Dixie will you tell that engineer to ring his bell
And ask everybody that ain't asleep to stand right up and yell

Hey, Porter
Hey, Porter
It's getting light outside
This old train is puffin' smoke and I have to strain my eyes
But ask that engineer if he will blow his whistle please
'Cause I smell frost on cotton leaves
And I feel that Southern breeze

Hey, Porter
Hey, Porter
Please get my bags for me
I need nobody to tell me now that we're in Tennessee
Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream
We're not so far from home so take it easy on the steam

Hey, Porter
Hey, Porter
Please open up the door
When they stop this train I'm gonna get off first
'Cause I can't wait no more
Tell that engineer I say,
Thanks a lot and I didn't mind the fare
I'm gonna set my feet on Southern soil
And breathe that Southern air


Lyrics submitted by toterkater, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Hey Porter Lyrics as written by Johnny Cash

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

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Hey, Porter song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    One of Cash's first songs. This ones a classic. I can't believe so few people have commented on Johnny Cash, while horrible bands like fall out boy are overflowed. It is a shame where American music has gone. Kids need to learn about the classics, instead of the garbage mtv force-feeds them.

    zmilla111on February 07, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I love how Cash's love for the South shows in this song. Right up there with Sweet Home Alabama as a Southern Anthem if you ask me.

    Prodigalon February 10, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    could this song be about someone getting out of prison and being excited about getting home? just a thought because a lot of his songs are about prison. what's a porter?

    decomposingb4youon December 28, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    this song is the first song that johhny cash wrote and recorded after he returnded from his service in the air force it is about his feeling of returning to where he came from

    caliberraceron June 17, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    returning home, and the feeling proud/happy about where your from.

    durham-redon June 11, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    A Porter is a Train Conductor, someone who collects tickets and all that.

    Prodigalon January 08, 2007   Link

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