When I was a young boy evening sun went down Stand off by the railroad tracks and I'd listen for the sound Of that Kansas City Southern Man that's a lonesome sound Oh I'd sit and watch those trains go by And wish that I was outward bound Well I'd dream about big cities And the pleasures I would keep Long about twelve-thirty thru phase of my sleep I'd hear that Kansas City Southern Man that's a lonesome sound Oh I'd sit and watch those trains go by And wish that I was outward bound Well now I've been in a couple of places, seen a couple of things Whenever I think back in time my memory rings With that Kansas City Southern Man that's a lonesome sound Oh I'd sit and watch those trains go by And wish that I was homeward bound Don't you know how the whistle blows? Don't you know how the whistle blows? Don't you know how the whistle blows? Don't you know how the whistle blows?