Rail-tie worker, I've been layin' ties on cold ground
But I'm leavin' this evenin' on the same tracks I laid down
There's some boys out in Jersey that are callin' me out by name
I got a reason to believe I ain't glory-bound anyway

And if you're readin' this letter tell my mother and my brother that I love 'em
He's got the better blood of my old man and our cousins
But he made a bad deal with some boys out on Oak Island
And if he don't pay they say they're bound to find him

But if I find 'em on that island first
The worst is yet to come
'Cause no blood in the mud I's raised in
Spent life on the run

And I went to Jay's tavern and it happens that them boys were there
Recognized his backside from the color of our mother's hair
And my brother found another way to make himself a decent little livin'
He turned around and found himself a lickin' only blood could give him
And I told him I was there to keep him clear of that island
He said: I love you Mickey, but I found out that I'm them
And I got bad blood with some blood out on Oak Island
And if he stays I say I am bound to find him

But if I find 'em on that island first
The worst is yet to come
'Cause no blood in the mud we's raised in
Spent life on the run