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| Songwriter Chris de Burgh. |
Born in 1948, Christopher John Davison began his music career singing for guests at his parents' renovated 12th century castle hotel in Ireland. He played professionally under his maternal name, "de Burgh". In 1986 he had his third and greatest hit with "The Lady in Red", about what his wife, Diane, was wearing when the first met her. The tune did not escape criticism.
From Wikipedia: "The less emotionally impressionable, meanwhile, adopt Oscar Wilde's view on the death of Little Nell – that it would take a heart of stone to listen to 'Lady in Red' and not laugh."
In 1975 "Spanish Train" from his second album was a minor success during an era when narratives were in vogue.
Cover artists have taken liberties with the lyrics. In one obscure alternative ending, Jesus stops Satan as he tries to rake in his gains.
The Lord says "You cheat...while I perform miracles" and directs Lucifer's attention to His cards, which have all turned to diamonds.
Of course, none of this suggests that there was any cheating in 2016. Heaven forfend!
Lyrics:
There's a Spanish train that runs between
Guadalquivir and old Saville
And at dead of night the whistle blows
And people hear she's running still
And then they hush their children back to sleep
Lock the doors, upstairs they creep
For it is said that the souls of the dead
Fill that train ten thousand deep
Well a railwayman lay dying with his people by his side
His family were crying, knelt in prayer before he died
But above his bed just a waiting for the dead
Was the Devil with a twinkle in his eye
Well God's not around and look what I've found, this one's mine
Just then the Lord himself appeared in a blinding flash of light
And shouted at the Devil, get thee hence to endless night
But the Devil just grinned and said I may have sinned
But there's no need to push me around
I got him first so you can do your worst
He's going underground
But I think I'll give you one more chance
Said the Devil with a smile
So throw away that stupid lance
It's really not your style
Joker is the name, poker is the game
We'll play right here on this bed
And then we'll bet for the biggest stakes yet
The souls of the dead
And I said look out, Lord, He's going to win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
Oh Lord, He's going to win
Well the railwayman he cut the cards
And he dealt them each a hand of five
And for the Lord, he was praying hard
Or that train he'd have to drive
Well the Devil he had three aces and a king
And the Lord, he was running for a straight
He had the queen and the knave and nine and ten of spades
All he needed was the eight
And then the Lord he called for one more card
But he drew the diamond eight
And the Devil said to the son of God
I believe you've got it straight
So deal me one for the time has come
To see who'll be the king of this place
But as he spoke, from beneath his cloak
He slipped another ace
Ten thousand souls was the opening bid
And it soon went up to fifty nine
But the Lord didn't see what the Devil did
And he said that suits me fine
I'll raise you high to a hundred and five
And forever put an end to your sins
But the Devil let out a mighty shout, my hand wins
And I said Lord, oh Lord, you let him win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is dead on time, many souls are on the line
Oh Lord, don't let him win
Well that Spanish train still runs between
Guadalquivir and old Saville
And at dead of night the whistle blows
And people fear she's running still
And far away in some recess
The Lord and the Devil are now playing chess
The Devil still cheats and wins more souls
And as for the Lord, well, he's just doing his best
And I said Lord, oh Lord, you've got to win
The sun is down and the night is riding in
That train is still on time, oh my soul is on the line
Oh Lord, you've got to win
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