A little child on a sickbed lay,    And death was very near.   He was the pride and the only child of a railroad engineer.      His duty had called him from those he loved,   And seeing that hope was dim.   While a tear he shed to his wife he said, “Just have two lanterns trimmed."      (Chorus)   Just hang a light when I pass tonight.   Hang it where it can be seen.   If the baby's dead then show the red.   If he's better then show the green.      In a little shack,   By the railroad track,   A mother with watchful eyes.   Saw a gleam of hope in a tender smile,    As the train went rushing by,   Just one short look,   Was his only chance?   To see the light a gleam.   In the midnight air their rose a prayer.    Thank god the light was green.      (Chorus)   Just hang a light when I pass tonight.   Hang it where it can be seen.   If the baby's dead then show the red.   If he's better then show the green.