In eighteen hundred and forty one They put me corduroy britches on They put me corduroy britches on To work upon the railway. Chorus: Filli-me-oo-ree-aye-ree-ay Filli-me-oo-ree-aye-ree-ay Filli-me-oo-ree-aye-ree-ay To work upon the railway. Now in eighteen hundred and forty-two I left the old world for the new Bad cess to the luck that brought me through To work upon the railway. Chorus: Well, it's pat do this and pat do that, Without a stocking or cravat And nothing for an old straw hat While working on the railway. Chorus: Now in eighteen hundred and forty-three, Twas then i met sweet biddy mcgee. Ah, an elegant wife she's been to me, While working on the railway. Chorus: Now in eighteen hundred and forty-seven Sweet biddie mcgee she went to heaven If she left one child she left eleven To work upon the railway. Chorus: Now in eighteen hundred and forty-eight I learned to drink me whiskey straight It's an elegant drink that can't be beat For working on the railway. Chorus (twice)