Clamshell Line
(Song by: Matthew Moeller – Performed by: The Whateverly Brothers – Song Notes)
The Whateverly Brothers (M. Moeller, left)
LYRICS
What’s that coming down the track it’s
Making smoke and a hellava racket
Chugging up along the coast
Freight car coach and tender
City folk smoke and cinders
The only train that can boast
To go…
North from Illwaco depending on the tide
All the way to Oysterville it’s just a little ride
On the Clamshell Line
Illwaco, Seaview,
Longbeach, and Klipsan too
Any place they flag ‘em down
Fisher folk and city spenders
Stacks of wood for the tender
“When will we get to town?”
They go…
Farmer Browns and rubbernecks
Ride the train to see the wrecks
That sometimes comes ashore
Folks come from far away
Portland town, Elliot Bay
To see the wonders there before
They go…
Astoria steamer comes to town
If it don’t run aground
Depending on the tide
Schedules change with the lunar
“No, you can’t get there sooner
Just enjoy the ride.”
And go…
NOTES
- Song by Matthew Moeller
- Performed on CD by The Whateverly Brothers