A small monument in downtown Makanda commemorates the death of Boomer, a three-legged hound that dashed his life out on an embankment as he tried to put out a train fire by peeing on it. As it stands, no one I’ve met in Makanda can verify the story, but knowing the truth is secondary to the legend. -JP
lyrics
Boomer was the fastest dog in old Makanda town
quicker than the trains that came around
His master’d ride, the dog beside him keeping steady pace
With just three legs that hound would make a name
Boomer, everyday he went down- town, he drew a crowd
Boomer, all who saw him knew he was the fastest dog around
All aboard! See the fastest dog around! x 2
He caught the eye of jealous men who ran that coal fired train
That dog makes us look slow they would complain
We’ll have a race and pickup pace and use our quickest train
and show this town ‘the fastest’ is our claim
Boomer, doesn’t stand a chance, we’ll leave him far behind
Boomer, we’ll do what we have to just to make good time
All aboard! See the fastest train in town! x 2
Boomer raced the fastest train in old Makanda town
took the lead with three legs on the ground
Conductor said let’s pull ahead and so they shoveled hard
The train caught fire his master was aboard
Boomer, lift his legs to cool the flames, two legs charged forward
Boomer, met his end upon a wall, a hero’s end to mourn
All aboard! A hero’s end to mourn x 2
credits
from We Are for Egypt,
released November 8, 2022
Artist: Miss Jenny and The Howdy Boys
Written by Jenny Pape
Performed by:
Vocals and Rhythm Guitar by Jenny Pape
Electric Guitar by Kyle Triplett
Accordion by Alex Pape
Pedal Steel by Dakota Holden
Bass by Nate Graham
Drums by Chad Shaffer
Background Vocals by Kendall Bell and Eva Joy
