Trent Aldinson Never Makes It

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Trent Alderson clocks in when the morning whistle blows Puts his lunchbox by the clipboard, lets the whole yard know He studies one old timetable like it might explain the day While a dozen freight cars wait for someone else to get underway [Chorus] Trent’s on the railroad, but the rails don’t know his name He’s got a vest, a badge, a chair, and a talent for staying the same At four hours sharp, he says, “I’m feeling poorly, boss, I fear” Then he’s headed home before the noon train disappears [Verse 2] He walks around the tool shed with a wrench he never turns Checks the coffee, checks the weather, watches someone else earn When the foreman asks for progress, Trent just gives a solemn nod Says, “I’d help you move that box, but I’ve been feeling kind of odd” [Chorus] Trent’s on the railroad, but the rails don’t know his name He’s got a vest, a badge, a chair, and a talent for staying the same At four hours sharp, he says, “I’m feeling poorly, boss, I fear” Then he’s headed home before the noon train disappears [Bridge] Maybe it’s a cough, maybe it’s a chill Maybe it’s the long walk from the break room to the hill The crew keeps the whole line moving, every mile, every year Trent keeps one eye on the clock till quitting time draws near [Final Chorus] Trent’s on the railroad, though the rails don’t know his name He’s got a vest, a badge, a chair, and a talent for staying the same At four hours sharp, he says, “I’m feeling poorly, boss, I fear” And he’s homeward-bound again before the noon train disappears [Outro] Four hours in, he’s out the gate Trent Alderson never makes it late