How Long Is This Train

How long is this train son
I heard his fragile voice
I didn't want to listen but there really was no choice
It seems like it goes on forever and I waited for so long
The old man's breath came slow and smelled of whiskey in the dawn
On a cold November morning in the gentle mist of rain
There's just so many reasons that people wait to meet a train
And as I waited for my sister to come down the metal stairs
He told me that his son had not been home in fifteen years
And I barely seemed to notice the tears behind his face
But his wishes were no strangers to the people in this place
The old man stood there waiting for a young man dressed in blue
Then he handed him a neatly folded flag and said for you
He said your son he died a hero in the service of this flag
The old man took it gently put it in his paper bag
Then I left him in the rain there but I'd still hear his voice
I try hard not to listen but there really is no choice
On a cold November morning in the gentle mist of rain
There's just so many reasons that people wait to meet a train
How long is this train son
I can hear the pouring rain