The eastbound train was crowded one cold december day The conductor shouted tickets in his old time fashioned way A little girl in sadness, her hair as bright as gold She said I have no ticket and then her story told She said I have no ticket and then her story told My father he's in prison, he's lost his sight they say I'm going to beg his pardon this cold december day My mother's daily sewing to try to earn our bread While poor old blind daddy in prison almost dead While poor old blind daddy in prison almost dead My brother and my sister would be both be very glad If I could only bring back my poor dear old blind dad The conductor did not answer, he could not make reply Then taking his rough hand and wiping the tear drops from his eyes He said god bless you little one just stay right where you are You'll never need a ticket while I am on this car You'll never need a ticket while I am on this car