The Stories and Lyrics Behind the Songs
Every railroad has a story. The Nasonville Valley Railroad has many—and now some of those stories have become songs.
Nasonville Valley—Roll On! grew out of my love for live steam and for the railroad that my family, friends, and I have built over the years. These songs are about more than locomotives and trains. They are about memories, family, friendships, hard work, and the simple joy of hearing a steam locomotive come alive and make its way through the valley.
Each track takes you somewhere along the railroad. Our journey begins with “Nasonville Departure,” as the conductor calls everyone aboard and prepares us to leave the station. From there, the music carries us through the dreams, stories, locomotives, people, and familiar places that have become part of life on the Nasonville Valley.
As you listen, I hope these lyrics help you experience some of what makes live steam so special: coal smoke drifting through the air, the fire glowing in the firebox, the rhythmic exhaust of a locomotive working upgrade, a whistle echoing through the valley, and friends gathered around a potbelly stove at the end of the day.
So climb aboard, take your seat, and follow along.
All aboard! Nasonville Valley—Roll On!
Track List & Lyrics
1. Nasonville Departure
– The conductor calls everyone aboard as our musical journey over the Nasonville Valley Railroad begins.
3. The Ballad of the Nasonville Valley Railroad
– “The Ballad of the Nasonville Valley Railroad” tells the story of the railroad itself—from the first rails laid by a father and son to the railroad that winds through the valley today.
4. Nasonville Valley
– “Nasonville Valley” takes the listener on a musical ride over the railroad itself.
5. Queen of Peace
– “Queen of Peace” is the story of bringing a steam locomotive to life.
6. Nasonville Crew
– “The Nasonville Valley Work Crew” is dedicated to the work behind the Nasonville Valley Railroad—the laying and maintaining of track, moving and rebuilding structures, and constructing the bridges and trestles that carry the railroad through the valley.
7. Potbelly Stove
– The Potbelly Stove at Nasonville Station” takes us inside the station on a cold winter morning.
8. Nasonville Station
Every railroad station is a place of arrivals and departures, but it is also a place of stories.
9. Nasonville Railroad
– Some of the best moments on a railroad aren’t about reaching a destination. They are about enjoying the journey.
10. Little Red Caboose
– Every train needs something to bring up the markers, and what better way to end our journey than with a little red caboose?
Bonus Track: Big Boy 4014
– A tribute to the world’s largest operating steam locomotive and to the people who keep the Union Pacific steam heritage alive.
Lyrics and songs © 2026 Jay Anthony Finelli. All rights reserved.