Lyrics

PADDLE WHEEL (For John Hartford)
(words & music by Richard Neal copyright 2006)

It's no use a-waiting for that boat to round the bend
Because its days of sailing have come to an end
The wooden hull was leaking, the paint began to peel
And the steam powered engine couldn't push the paddle wheel

Paddle wheel
Used to churn the muddy waters
Of the mighty heartland rivers deep and wide
Paddlewheel
Is no longer turning
Ever since that engine died
Paddle wheel

The fixtures now are rusty, the brass it used to gleam
The river hasn't been the same since that boat ran out of steam
That whistle that we listened for, we'll no longer hear
But the song it used to sing will never disappear

Paddle wheel
Used to churn the muddy waters
Of the mighty heartland rivers deep and wide
Paddlewheel
Is no longer turning
Ever since that engine died
Paddlewheel