From the recording River Valley Dreaming
The Northern Rivers has no trains…my home is right next to the railway line which the train route took through the Byron Shire. Co-written with Ray Essery, (the Mullumbimby Bloke) a born and bred local, we traced the original train route to paint a picture of the Northern Rivers life, how it was in the past, and how it might be again, should we get our trains back …we’re dreaming!
Lyrics
The River Valley Express – Clelia Adams/Ray Essery
the sun is rising slowly over Byron Bay
the lighthouse has gone to sleep,
and dolphins start to play
coming over St Helena down the winding bends
the river valley rattler is on the rails again
travellers come pouring in, chasin’ sun and sand
the train to Byron’s full of women huntin’ for a man
dreams of surfi ng stacked in every corner of the train
this sunny piece of paradise brings them back again
hear that whistle blowing, steaming round the bend
the river valley trains are on the rails again
Mullumbimby, Billinudgel, Stokers Siding too
Murwillumbah to Coolangatta, the rattler’s coming through
the hippies out in Nimbin have got the winter blues
bags packed to the max with nothing to lose
head on down to Lismore, & jump the old red train
destination any beach to feel the sun again
coastal folk are heading out to Casino show
rainbow farmers doing business down in Bangalow
schoolies raising hell, down back of the train
over bridges, through the valleys and back home again
hear that whistle blowing, steaming round the bend
the river valley trains on are on the rails again
Mullumbimby, Billinudgel, Stokers Siding too
Murwillumbah to Coolangatta, the rattlers coming through