The song is a work song, and makes references to the construction of the American railroads in the mid-19th century; the tarriers of the title is a mild slur in referencing the workers, drilling holes in rock to blast out railroad tunnels.
The song is a work song. The song makes references to the construction of the American railroads in the mid-19th century. The tarriers of the title is a mild slur in referencing the workers to blast out railroad tunnels. The workers are drilling holes in rock.