I can run her in the clearing
On the newly frozen ground
If I can keep this skidder moving
I can get her turned around
Without falling in that marsh land
They lose trains down there

I been told a story
From the older men I know
They been logging off this forest
Since before the days I was born
They been loggin’ on the cold ground

They lose trains down there Permafrost don’t hold here
We get muddy ground
Permafrost don’t hold here
Heavy gear sinks down

In 1887 yea or maybe 84
They built themselves a train rail
Right across the forest floor
They shipped them in a monster
The Old Black Withered Down

They lose trains down there
We get muddy ground
They lose trains down there
Heavy gear sinks down

In the early frost of autumn
Fighting time and under load
The tracks are redirected
So the Down she’s moving slow
Now she’s sinking in that cold ground . . .

Later in the season when the rains have gone away
And the sun has parched the landscape
In the withered heat of day
You can see it in the swamp rise
The old Black Withered Down

Forever held in time now
We get muddy ground
Forever held in time now
Heavy gear sinks down
Forever held in time now
The Old Black Withered Down

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