Song Lyric Sunday: Spanish Train

I couldn’t resist participating when I read this week’s prompt for Song Lyric Sunday :  Trains. Immediately, Chris de Burgh’s “Spanish Train” started playing in my head. It’s more than just a song – the imagery of the Devil and the Lord playing poker for the souls of the dead created by de Burgh’s delivery is like a play that unfolds in your mind. Listen and enjoy!

There’s a Spanish train that runs between
Guadalquivir and old Saville
And at dead of night the whistle blows
And people hear she’s running still

And then they hush their children back to sleep
Lock the doors, upstairs they creep
For it is said that the souls of the dead
Fill that train ten thousand deep

Well a railwayman lay dying with his people by his side
His family were crying, knelt in prayer before he died
But above his bed just a waiting for the dead
Was the Devil with a twinkle in his eye
Well God’s not around and look what I’ve found, this one’s mine

Just then the Lord himself appeared in a blinding flash of light
And shouted at the Devil, get thee hence to endless night
But the Devil just grinned and said I may have sinned
But there’s no need to push me around
I got him first so you can do your worst
He’s going underground

But I think I’ll give you one more chance
Said the Devil with a smile
So throw away that stupid lance
It’s really not your style
Joker is the name, poker is the game
We’ll play right here on this bed
And then we’ll bet for the biggest stakes yet
The souls of the dead

And I said look out, Lord, He’s going to win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
Oh Lord, He’s going to win

Well the railwayman he cut the cards
And he dealt them each a hand of five
And for the Lord, he was praying hard
Or that train he’d have to drive
Well the Devil he had three aces and a king
And the Lord, he was running for a straight
He had the queen and the knave and nine and ten of spades
All he needed was the eight

And then the Lord he called for one more card
But he drew the diamond eight
And the Devil said to the son of God
I believe you’ve got it straight
So deal me one for the time has come
To see who’ll be the king of this place
But as he spoke, from beneath his cloak
He slipped another ace

Ten thousand souls was the opening bid
And it soon went up to fifty nine
But the Lord didn’t see what the Devil did
And he said that suits me fine
I’ll raise you high to a hundred and five
And forever put an end to your sins
But the Devil let out a mighty shout, my hand wins

And I said Lord, oh Lord, you let him win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
Oh Lord, don’t let him win

Well that Spanish train still runs between
Guadalquivir and old Saville
And at dead of night the whistle blows
And people fear she’s running still

And far away in some recess
The Lord and the Devil are now playing chess
The Devil still cheats and wins more souls
And as for the Lord, well, he’s just doing his best

And I said Lord, oh Lord, you’ve got to win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is still on time, oh my soul is on the line
Oh Lord, you’ve got to win

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Chris De Burgh
Spanish Train lyrics © BMG Rights Management