I recently went to a big homecoming 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 homecoming
And I was so proud of them riding that carriage
Down the Main Street of Rison, Arkansas
Sometimes the songs I write
Sound like talking about myself
But actually in some of these songs
Especially this one
I'm writing about my daddy
Riding 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 returning home
So I don't care
And I'm riding on the Cotton Belt
Railroad line
In the pitching rolling rhythm
And the noise
Railroad men
Are friends of mine
And I'm riding on the Cotton Belt, boys
Riding on the Cotton Belt
Across that little river called Saline
That's where I went fishing
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 riding on the Cotton Belt
Railroad line
In the pitching rolling rhythm
And the noise
Railroad men
Are friends of mine
And I'm riding on the Cotton Belt, boys
Jumping off the Cotton Belt
Ain't easy when she's going forty per
But I see my wife standing 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 you, Cotton Belt
Thank you for the ride
Keep rolling on
I'm riding on the Cotton Belt
Railroad line
In the pitching rolling rhythm
And the noise
Railroad men
Are friends of mine
And I'm riding on the Cotton Belt, boys