[Verse 1]
How long, how long has this train been gone?
Was there a man who asked for me?
I thought he'd wait to say so long
I'm later than I meant to be

[Verse 2]
The station master closed his eyes
Said, "My dear, the trains are gone
Though forty years ago this night
The last train left for Viet Nam"

[Verse 3]
She said, "My hair is lit with gray
No roses bloom upon my lips
But seems like only yesterday
He graced me with a lover's kiss"

[Verse 4]
Then in the distance, thunder pealed
A whistle pierced the cricket's song
And you could see the sparks and the wheels
Of the last train back from Viet Nam

[Verse 5]
It stopped just long enough to board
And as she ran, time set her free
A young man helped her through the door
And said, "I knew you would wait for me"
[Verse 6]
There's many a young boy who won't come back
Many a young girl who waits alone
Sometimes they meet on life's long track
They board that last train and go home