I get up, go to work on the Maryland train
These new cars that they use are a royal pain
The railroad got them cheap, they cost one dollar each
And they're the most uncomfortable cars
That I've had to ride, yeah, ride
And there's no armrest, nor is there head room
Just my banged-up side, yeah, side, I say

I hate cattle cars
I'm riding on these things, shoulda stayed in bed, yeah
I hate cattle cars
Whenever I stand up I bang my head

Ooooooowwwww!

She asked, so I got up, allowed her to sit
"Sir, thank you much," she said, "These cars ain't worth [censored]"
I said, "I might not be wise, but I can sympathize"
And next we were rolling on
And she sat with me, yeah, me
The train kept a-rolling on
While she sat with me, yeah, me, saying

We hate cattle cars
We're riding on these things, gotta go to work, yeah
We hate cattle cars
Whoever brought them here is one big jerk

(instrumental)

I said, "I don't know 'bout you, but all I'll say is moo"
The train kept a-rolling on
While she sat with me, yeah, me, saying

We hate cattle cars
We're riding on these things, coming home from work, yeah
We hate cattle cars
Whoever brought them here is one big jerk
(repeat)