Down Along The Dixie Line Lyrics

Lyric discussion by sandmaniac 

Cover art for Down Along The Dixie Line lyrics by Gillian Welch

Can't you hear those drivers wail? Can't you see those bright rails shine? Wanna catch that fireball mail Leave that Northland far behind

It is "wail", not "way". It is "fireball mail", not "fireball man". This is a reference to both trains and a nod to Gillian's traditional country/bluegrass roots. Fireball mail was a slang term for trains in the South because trains delivered the mail and were powered by coal (little fireballs). Fireball mail (referencing a train) is also the title of an instrumental song that was played by a host of country/bluegrass legends such as Earl Scruggs and Roy Acuff. Also, "wail" and "mail" rhyme, which makes sense in this verse. It might just be me, but I think it is "Northland" not "North Land"

Edit: Leave "the" Northland far behind. I forgot to correct that word.