線路の仕事 - The Work on the Railroad (I've Been Working on the Railroad, Japanese Version)

A Japanese version of an American song that evolved from an African American workers' song into a railroad workers' song and later became a folk song. The first verse of this Japanese version relatively reflects the original lyrics, but the second verse introduces a unique storyline in which a worker, continuously overworked, dies. Separate from this is another Japanese version titled "The railroad stretches on endlessly" (線路は続くよどこまでも), written by Saki Bin (佐木敏) in 1962. It features lyrics intended for children, describing a joyful train journey, and bears no relation to the original lyrics. Due to its cheerful lyrics and accessibility, the latter version is far more widely known in Japan today.

Year Recorded: 1960s
Lyricist: Tsugawa Shuichi (津川主一)
Year Written: 1955 (Japanese lyrics)
Choir: Tokyo Coro Octavo (東京コーロ・オクターヴォ)
Performer: Ensemble Maspress (楽団マスプレス)
Arrange and conduct: Mizutani Ryōichi (水谷良一)
Source: Flexi-disc "歌え若人たち"


Lyrics

線路の仕事は　何時までも
線路の仕事は　果てがない
汽笛の響きが鳴り渡れば
親方は叫ぶ　吹き鳴らせ

つらい仕事でも　しまいには
つらい仕事でも　果てが来る
汽笛の響きが鳴り渡れば
つるはしを置いて　息絶える