A long-forgotten newsworthy event is thought to have inspired this song. The lyrics invite us to wonder who is singing? Who wrote the letter and what does it say? Why are there tears in the singer's eyes? While leaving the particulars to our imagination, the song succeeds in capturing the mood and the spirit of life on the American railroad in the early twentieth century. This arrangement was inspired by a creative arts activity in which young singers read their own improvised ideas of what was written in the letter. Many thanks to Norma Freeman for developing this concept and allowing me to share it as a part of this arrangement of a classic American folk song.

Duration: c. 3:00