# Down by the Station

“Down by the Station” is an English-language train song whose anonymous “Pufferbilly” verse appeared in 1931 before a 1948 Ricks–Gaillard sheet-music version.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Unknown |
| Sung in | English |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | 1931 “Pufferbilly Song”; 1948 Ricks–Gaillard sheet-music version |
| Best for ages | 2–6 |
| Mood | playful, educational |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/down-by-the-station/ |

## Lyrics

### 1931 “Pufferbilly Song” verse (en)

Down at the station, early in the morning,
See the little pufferbillies standing in a row.
See the engine driver twist the little handle,
Tst! Tst! Toot! Toot! There they go.

## How to sing it

1. Begin slowly so everyone can hear the repeated words and the action cue.
2. Line up like engines, turn an imaginary handle, release two soft steam sounds, then make two whistle sounds and move forward.
3. Repeat the song once and invite a different child to lead the cues.

## Common questions

**What does “Pufferbilly” mean in Down by the Station?**

The 1931 “Pufferbilly Song” uses “Pufferbillies” as a playful name for the small steam engines waiting in a row. Its “Tst! Tst! Toot! Toot!” ending imitates escaping steam and a train whistle.

**Did Lee Ricks and Slim Gaillard write the verse shown here?**

No named author was found for the four-line verse printed in 1931. A 1948 Ricks–Gaillard sheet-music version added material, but this page does not reproduce that later addition.

## Sources

- [University of Rochester — 1948 sheet-music catalogue entry](https://www.esm.rochester.edu/sibley/files/US-Sheet-Music_Sub-group-I_Series-5B.pdf)
- [Classic Train Songs — 1931 Pufferbilly Song transcription](https://classictrainsongs.com/down_by_station/down_by_the_station.htm)