A little child on a sickbed lay,
And death was very near.
He was
The pride and the only child of a railroad engineer.

His duty had
Called him from those he loved,
And seeing that hope was dim.
While
A tear he shed to his wife he said,
"Just have two lanterns trimmed."

(Chorus)

Just hang a light when I pass tonight.
Hang it where it
Can be seen.
If the baby's dead then show the red.
If he's better
Then show the green.

In a little shack,
By the railroad
Track,
A mother with watchful eyes.
Saw a gleam of hope in a tender
Smile,
As the train went rushing by,
Just one short look,
Was
His only chance?
To see the light a gleam.
In the midnight air their
Rose a prayer.
Thank god the light was green.

(Chorus)

Just hang a light when I pass tonight.
Hang it where it can be
Seen.
If the baby's dead then show the red.
If he's better then
Show the green.