PADDLEWHEEL (For John Hartford)
(words & music by Richard Neal/Prime Numbers Publishing copyright 2006)

It's no use a-waiting for that boat to round the bend
Because its days of sailing have come to an end 
The wooden hull was leaking, the paint began to peel                         
And the steampowered engine couldn't push the paddlewheel               

Paddlewheel
Used to churn the muddy waters
Of the mighty rivers deep and wide                                      
Paddlewheel     
Is no longer turning
Ever since that engine died
Paddlewheel

The fixtures now are rusty, the brass it used to gleam                         
The river hasn't been the same since that boat ran out of steam
That whistle that we listened for, we'll no longer hear 
But the song it used to sing will never disappear

Paddlewheel
Used to churn the muddy waters
Of the mighty rivers deep and wide                                      
Paddlewheel     
Is no longer turning
Ever since that engine died
Paddlewheel