I've Been Working on the Railroad Lyrics

First published in 1894 in Carmina Princetonia, this American folk song celebrates the labor of railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad. It later became a beloved children's song and is often combined with the tune 'Dinah Won't You Blow.' Best for ages 4–10. The song's strong rhythm and shifting tempo make it a great vehicle for teaching dynamics — sing the verses slow and bluesy, then explode into the bright "Fee, fie, fiddly-i-o" refrain. Children love the energy contrast. Excellent for circle time, classroom transitions, or as a warm-up before a movement activity. For more rhythm-heavy classics, see [top 10 sing-along songs for kids](/blog/top-10-sing-along-songs-for-kids).

I've been working on the railroad,
All the livelong day,
I've been working on the railroad,
Just to pass the time away.
Can't you hear the whistle blowing,
Rise up so early in the morn,
Can't you hear the captain shouting,
"Dinah, blow your horn!"

Dinah, won't you blow,
Dinah, won't you blow,
Dinah, won't you blow your horn?
Dinah, won't you blow,
Dinah, won't you blow,
Dinah, won't you blow your horn?

Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah,
Someone's in the kitchen I know,
Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah,
Strumming on the old banjo!

Fee-fi-fiddly-i-o,
Fee-fi-fiddly-i-o-o-o-o,
Fee-fi-fiddly-i-o,
Strumming on the old banjo!