Back in 1870 just beneath the Great White Way

Alfred Beach worked secretly

Risking all to ride a dream

His wind-machine

His wind-machine



New York City and the morning sun

Were awoken by the strangest sound

Reportedly as far as Washington

The tremors shook the earth as Alfie

Blew underground

Blew underground

He blew underground, yeah



Ahh

All aboard sub-rosa subway

Had you wondered who's been digging under Broadway?

It's Alfred

It's Alfred

It's Alfred

Poor Al, woh no Al



As for America's first subway

The public scoffed, "It's far too rude"

One station filled with Victoria's age

From frescoed walls and goldfish fountains....

To Brahmsian tunes