We rode the plains as lovers do
We raced beneath the summer sun
My dusky eyes met his so blue
Our soaring spirits breathed as one

We blazed our love across the sky
Surrendered to its ancient force
Until the day he said goodbye
And climbed aboard the Iron horse

CHORUS 
I heard its challenge, loud and shrill
As we chased it up the Great Divide
Though my steed had the stronger will
The iron horse had the longer stride

Its whistle cut me like a blade
I loathed its screaming, smoky cry
How could he leave His Indian maid?
I’ll ride like wind and ask him why

Astride my fearless painted dun
I chose my pace and set my course
To catch this demon on the run
My steed against this iron horse

CHORUS
I heard its challenge loud and shrill
As it labored up the Great Divide.
Though my steed had the stronger will
The iron horse had the longer stride

CHORUS
It roared its challenge loud and shrill
As it labored up the Great Divide.
Though I had the stronger will
The iron horse had the longer stride

Through the thunder of its blare
I yelled my fury at the beast
Wasted words lost in the air
As it roared its way forever east

And the iron horse’s speed increased …

music and lyrics by Mary James & Jean James