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"Wide Smile, High Style" (originally known as "C.B.") is Caboose's big reveal of his plans to sabotage the final race.

Context[]

Moments before the race, Caboose seeks out Greaseball to assure him that he is on Greaseball's side and will wipe out Rusty to help Greaseball win.

Caboose then finds Electra. Depending on the version of the show, Caboose either makes the same promise to Electra, saying he'll help Electra win by wiping out Rusty, or promising instead to sabotage Greaseball.

After gaining both their trust, Caboose then turns to the audience and confesses that he's only in it for himself.

History[]

The song's lyrics were rewritten when Starlight Express opened on Broadway, as Caboose had been renamed from "C.B." as he was known in London. The lyrics also now referred to many contemporary pop-culture icons, such as E.T. and Donald Duck. London would adopt this version in 1988, however keeping the "C.B" name and choruses.

As Caboose was cut in the 1992 London revamp, this entire scene was removed, with the Uphill Final beginning after Purse leads Dinah away.

For the fast-paced Las Vegas show, the dialogue introduction for the number was kept as a plot point, but the song was cut. This edit was kept for the revised version of the 2003 US Tour, the UK Tours, and was introduced in Germany as well. However, the German production has since partially reinstated the actual song, with Electra and the Components coming onstage during the number without introductory dialogue.

The 2003 US Tour version initially used a shorter version of "Wide Smile", performed with Greaseball and his Gang instead of Electra. This was shortened further during the tour, removing the song entirely and leaving only the plot-laden intro and outro.

Until the 2018 Bochum revisions, "Wide Smile" served as a plot twist, revealing Caboose as a villain. The new revisions now establish Caboose as a mercenary who takes bribes of money to sabotage races.

In the 2018 Bochum version of the song, the components join for the first half of the number before leaving with Electra. Caboose continues the song with Carrie, Belle, a gang member, and all the freight, including Dustin, joining in the rest of the number.


1984 Original London Lyrics[]

CB: Okay, I copy, I read you.
I have you strength three.
GREASEBALL: Who You talking to? Who's that talking to you?
CB: It's Electra.
GREASEBALL: Oh yeah? Whatcha got goin' there?
CB: He gave me a call, I talk to them all.
GREASEBALL: Just remember who's side you are on.
CB: I'm on mine...
ELECTRA: CB, you brought me all this way.
Okay, whatcha got to say?
CB: Couldn't say it over the air,
Want you to know I'm gonna wipe out Rusty!
ELECTRA: You?! The Red Caboose?!
CB: Hey! Shhhh!! Turn down the juice!
Just cause I smile all the time
Don't mean I'm not into crime!
COMPONENTS: Always at the back, I guess that you've
Got an awful lot to prove.
CB: Under the smiles, under the fun,
I'm public enemy number one!
Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
See the news on your TV - Rail disaster
Ever wonder why was he getting faster?
Every time the Red Caboose takes a train
Seems to loose it's braking shoes
Can't explain
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
Hiding at the back of the freight train, unsuspected
When they robbed the great train I collected
While the feds shake their heads I'm on the loose
There each time at the scene of the crime the Red Caboose
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
The state police they don't suspect
I got old ninety seven wrecked
Interpol don't know that I
Crossed the bridge on the river Kwai
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn't get the brakes
Somebody go fetch a cop
Another train just failed to stop
COMPONENTS: Brake that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
Ten four Smokey bear I could be anywhere
You know I'm to blame but you don't know my name
Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
C.B. Hanging loose
C.B. The Red Caboose!

1983 London Previews[]

Slightly different introduction.

CB: Okay, I copy, I read you.
Ten-four, over and out!


1987 Broadway Production[]

GREASEBALL: Hey, Caboose, you called me
What did you want to say?
CABOOSE: I want you to know that
I'm going to ensure
Your position as champion
Is completely secure
I'll wipe out Rusty!
GANG: What? You Mr Clean?
GREASEBALL: Hey, listen guys, he's a mean machine!
It is time that we knew it
But never forget
Exactly whose side you are on!
CABOOSE: I'm on yours!
ELECTRA: Red Caboose, you brought me all this way
Okay, what you got to say?
CABOOSE: Electra, I admire you so
I wanted you to be the first to know
Don't you worry 'bout the competition
You're gonna finish in first position
'Cause I'm gonna wipe out Greaseball!
ELECTRA: You? The Red Caboose?
CABOOSE: Shh!- Turn down the juice
Just 'cause I smile all the time
Don't mean I'm not into crime!
Every hero that you trust
In the end they all go bust
Robin Hood kept all the money
Piglet poisoned Pooh-bear's honey
E.T. had no flying permit
Donald Duck has eaten Kermit
Bambi set the woods alight
And the Red Caboose is not Snow White!
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, Red Caboose
See the news on your TV - Rail disaster
Ever wonder why was he getting faster?
Every time the Red Caboose takes a train
Seems to lose it's braking shoes
I can't explain!
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CABOOSE: Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
Hiding at the back of the freight train,
Unsuspected
When they robbed the great train,
I collected
Let the feds beat their heads
It ain't no use
There each time at the scene of the crime
The Red Caboose!
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CABOOSE: Fair Play, no way, no truce
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
If the state police should sniff the truth
OK, I'll take the fifth
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn't get the brakes
COMPONENTS: Somebody go call a cop
Another train just failed to stop
Brake that train!
CABOOSE: Fair Play, no way, no truce
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Can't trust anyone these days
Remember I can face both ways
I'm on my side
This red C will not divide!
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
Out front, hanging loose
That's me, the Red Caboose!
ELECTRA: I can't say that I'm not amazed
But just remember Mr. Face-both-ways
Remember whose side you are on!
CABOOSE: I'm on mine
You don't know it,
But you're gonna see,
My great train robbery!
Watch out guys, I'm on your trail
Inside dealing on an inside rail
I'm John Doe or John Wilkes Booth or
Spats Columbo and Lex Luthor
Leaders of the USA
With gleaming teeth and fee to play!
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
Sleep tight, sleepy head
The Red Caboose is under your bed!


1988 Revised London[]

After Broadway debuted with new lyrics in 1987, London followed suit in 1988 with a mish mash of both the original London lyrics and Broadway lyrics, keeping the character to the name "C.B." rather than Broadway's "Caboose".

CB: Okay, I copy, read you.
I have you, strength three.
GREASEBALL: Who you talking to? Who's that talking to you?
CB: It's Electra.
GREASEBALL: Oh yeah? Whatcha got goin' there?
CB: He gave me a call, I talk to them all.
GREASEBALL: Just remember who's side you are on.
CB: I'm on yours!
ELECTRA: CB, you brought me all this way.
Okay, whatcha got to say?
CB: I couldn't say it over the air,
I want you to know I'm gonna wipe out Rusty!
ELECTRA: You?! The Red Caboose?!
CB: Shhhh!! Turn down the juice!
Just 'cause I smile all the time
It don't mean I'm not into crime!
Every hero that you trust
In the end they all go bust
ALL: Robin Hood
CB: Kept all the money
ALL: Piglet
CB: Poisoned Pooh-bear's honey
ALL: E.T.
CB: Had no flying permit
ALL: Donald Duck
CB: Has eaten Kermit
ALL: Bambi
CB: Set the woods alight
And the Red Caboose ain’t no Snow White!
Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
See the news on your TV - Rail disaster
Ever wonder why was he getting faster?
Every time the Red Caboose takes a train
Seems to loose it's braking shoes
Can't explain
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Wrong side, wrong track C.B.
Hiding at the back of the freight train, unsuspected
When they robbed the great train, I collected
While the feds beat their heads it ain’t no use
There each time at the scene of the crime the Red Caboose
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Fair play, no way, that’s me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side, wrong track, C.B.
If the state police should sniff the truth
OK, I'll take the fifth
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn't get the brakes
COMPONENTS: Somebody go and call a cop
Another train just failed to stop
Brake that train!
CB: Fair play, no way, that’s me
Out front, in back, C.B.
ELECTRA: You know it boy.
CB: Can't trust anyone these days
Remember I can face both ways
I'm on my side
This red C will not divide!
Wide smile, high style, that’s me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side, wrong track, C.B.
COMPONENTS: C.B, hanging loose
ALL: C.B, the Red Caboose!
ELECTRA: I can't say that I'm not amazed
But just remember Mr. Face-both-ways
Remember whose side you are on!
CB: I'm on mine!


1989 1st US Tour[]

While being a direct copy of the Broadway lyrics the ending was shortened and changed

ELECTRA: Can't say that I'm not amazed
But just remember Mr. Face-both-ways
Remember whose side you are on!
CABOOSE: I'm on mine
You don't know,
But you're gonna see,
My great train switchery!
Watch out guys, I'm on your tail
Inside dealing on an inside rail
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
Sleep tight, sleepy head
The Red Caboose is under your bed!

1993 Las Vegas[]

The Las Vegas production ran a shorter version of the show.

GREASEBALL: Hey, Caboose, you called me
What did you want to say?
CABOOSE: I want you to know that
I'm going to ensure
Your position as champion
Is completely secure
I'll wipe out Rusty!
GANG: What? You Mr Clean?
GREASEBALL: Hey, listen guys, he's a mean machine!
But now that we know it
Just never forget
Exactly whose side you are on! Huh!
CABOOSE: I'm on yours!
ELECTRA: Red Caboose, you brought me all this way
Okay, what you got to say?
CABOOSE: Electra, I admire you so
I wanted you to be the first to know
Don't you worry 'bout the competition
You're gonna finish in first position
'Cause I'm gonna wipe out Greaseball!
COMPONENTS: What you?
ELECTRA: The Red Caboose?
CABOOSE: Hey! Shh-
Turn down the juice
ELECTRA: I can't say that I'm not amazed
Just remember Mr. Face-both-ways
Just whose side you are on! Huh!
CABOOSE: I'm on mine!

1987 Japan Tour Translation[]

This translation of the song lyrics featured in the 1987 programme. These lyrics were NOT what were sung live during the tour, which was sung in English, but provided context for the audience not fluent in English.

レッド ・カブース (Japanese): ふくみ笑いのダテ男、それが俺さ RED CABOOSE (English): A dirty man with a big smile, that's me
前に、後に、赤鼻のカブース Out front, in back, Red Caboose
TV のニュースを見てみな Look at the news on the TV
列車事故! Rail disaster!
なぜ奴がそんなに突っ走ったか Why did he run so fast
不思議に思わなかったかい Did you ever wonder
列車が赤鼻カブースと組むたびに Every time a train teams up with the Red Caboose
ブレーキ事故が起こる, わけはわからない Brake accidents happen, I don't know why
エレクトラ

客車:

あの列車を止めろ ELECTRA + CARRIAGES: Stop that train
レッド ・カブース: ふくみ笑いのダテ男、それが俺さ RED CABOOSE: A dirty man with a big smile, that's me
とんでもないはみ出し野郎、赤鼻のカブース The biggest outcast of them all, Red Caboose
貨物列車の後ろに隠れてりゃ怪しまれないさ I can hide behind a goods train and they'll never suspect
列車強盗は俺のさしがね I'm the one who robbed the train
役人同志をケンカさせろ Let the officials fight amongst themselves
役立たずども - You useless bastards -
犯罪のかげに赤鼻のカブースありさ Behind every crime is the Red Caboose
エレクトラ

客車:

あの列車を止めろ ELECTRA + CARRIAGES: Stop that train
レッド ・カブース: フェアプレイだって、バカな、戦いはやめないせ RED CABOOSE: Fair play, you fool, the fighting doesn't stop
前に、後ろに、赤鼻のカブース Out front, in back, Red Caboose
とんでもない奴さ、赤鼻のカブース He's a hell of a guy, the Red Caboose
州警察もかぎつけられるかどうか I don't know if the state police can even sniff him out
オーケイ、じゃあ5番目につけよう Okay, let's put you on number five
俺と組む列車は残らず Every train I work with
ブレーキがイカレちまう Loses their brakes
エレクトラ:

客車

誰か警官を呼べ ELECTRA + CARRIAGES: Somebody go call the cops
あいつもまた失敗した He messed up again
あの列車を止めろ Stop that train
レッド ・カブース: フェアプレイだって、バカな、戦いはやめないせ RED CABOOSE: Fair play, you fool, the fighting doesn't stop
前に、後ろに、赤鼻のカブース Out front, in back, Red Caboose
近頃は誰も信じられないさ You can't trust anyone these days
俺はどっちにも行けるんだ I can go both ways, you know
俺は俺さ、この赤鼻は誰にもつかめないぜ I'm me, and nobody can grab this red nose
ふくみ笑いのダテ男、それが俺さ A dirty man with a big smile, that's me
前に、後ろに、赤鼻のカブース Out front, in back, Red Caboose
とんでもないはみ出し野郎、赤鼻のカブース The biggest outcast of them all, Red Caboose
全員: 先頭に気ままにブラ下がってる ALL: Hanging out at the front at will
それが俺さ、赤鼻のカブース That's me, the Red Caboose
エレクトラ: 驚きゃしないぜ、覚えとけ、二重人格め ELECTRA: Can't say I'm surprised, just remember, double personality
どっちにつくか、ちゃんと考えな Which side you want to be on, you need to think about it
カブース: 俺は俺の味方さ CABOOSE: I'm on my side


1997 Mexico + Translation[]

[1]

CABÚS (Spanish): Turbo, Turbo CABOOSE (English): Greaseball, Greaseball
Turbo donde estas? Greaseball, where are you?
TURBO: He!! Cabús que quieres? GREASEBALL: Hey, Caboose, what do you want?
Que me vas a decir? What did you want to tell me?
CABÚS: Pues si te busqué CABOOSE: Well, if I look for you
Es porque eres el rey It's because you are the king (champ)
Y te quiero avisar que And I want to advise you
Tu vas a ganar You're going to win
Haré perder a Ferro I'll make Rusty lose
Gans (GANG?): Eres muy servil (GANG?): You're very servile
TURBO: Aguas con él, es un carro vil GREASEBALL: Don't worry about him, he's a vile car
Sabiendo quien eres, sabiendo Now that we know who you are, know
Quien soy, no olvides Who I am, don't forget
De que lado estás...Uh!! Who's side you are on...Uh!!
CABÚS: Estoy de tu lado CABOOSE: I'm on your side
ELECTRA: Bien, Cabús que tienes que decir ELECTRA: Well Caboose, what do you have to say?
En que me podrás servir How can you be of service?
CABÚS: Electra eres el mejor y para mi CABOOSE: Electra, you are the best and for me
Es un grandioso honor It's a great honor
Avisarte que en el certamen To advise you in the certainty
Tu serás el rey ya todos saben You'll be the king as everyone knows
Haré perder a Turbo I'll make Greaseball lose
COMPONENTES: ¿Porqué? COMPONENTS: Why?
ELECTRA: ¿Que vas a hurdir? ELECTRA: What are you going to do?
CABÚS: No Shut!!... te van a oir CABOOSE: No, hush!! You will hear
ELECTRA: Muchas caras es muy eficaz ELECTRA: Many faces are very efficient
Solo piensa bien y nada más Only think well and nothing more
No olvides de que lado estás Don't forget who's side you are on
COMPONENTES: Ah!! COMPONENTS: Ah!!
CABÚS: Estoy de... CABOOSE: I am...
Estoy de mi lado... I'm on my side...

2003 2nd US Tour Lyrics[]

CABOOSE: Electra!
Mr Electra!
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
ELECTRA: Yes, what is it?
CABOOSE: I’m in a position to help you succeed
I’ve made up my mind to get you the lead!
I’ll wipe out Greaseball!
ELECTRA: You Mr. Clean?
CABOOSE: Uh-huh! I’m a mean machine!
ELECTRA: Well now that I know it
Just never forget
Exactly whose side you are on.
CABOOSE: I’m on yours!
Greaseball!
Mr Greaseball!
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
GREASEBALL: Yeah, what is it?
CABOOSE: I want you to know that I'm going to ensure
Your position as champ is completely secure
GREASEBALL: I know I'm winning this race, duh!
Stop grinning and cut to the chase!
CABOOSE: Rusty's got some power
We just haven't seen it yet
The rusty little engine
Could turn out to be a threat
GREASEBALL: I’m listening, keep talking
CABOOSE: If he can’t start, then he can't win
Let’s wipe him out when the race begins
GREASEBALL: Oooh, that’s nasty…
I like it
CABOOSE: I thought you would
COMPONENTS: So, what happened to you Mr. Goody-Good?
CABOOSE: Just ‘cause I smile all the time
Don’t mean I’m not into crime
Under the smiles, under the fun
I’m public enemy number one
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, Red Caboose
See the news on your TV - Rail disaster
Ever wonder why was he getting faster?
Every time the Red Caboose takes a train
Seems to lose it's braking shoes
Can’t explain!
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CABOOSE: Fair Play, no way, no truce
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
If the state police should sniff the truth
OK, I'll take the fifth
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn't get the brakes
COMPONENTS: Somebody go and call a cop
Another train just failed to stop
Brake that train!
Wide smile, high style, hang loose
Out front, in back, the Red Caboose
Wrong side, wrong track, the Red Caboose
Out front, hanging loose
That's me, the Red Caboose!
COMPONENTS: I can't say that I'm not amazed
But just remember Mr. Face-both-ways
Remember whose side you are on!
CABOOSE: I'm on mine!

2nd US Tour Short Version Lyrics[]

While opening with a full length song, months in came an overhaul in lyric rewrites, Wide Smile being reduced during this process to the introduction and conclusion, the actual song being removed.

CABOOSE: Greaseball!
Mr Greaseball!
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
GREASEBALL: Yeah, what is it?
CABOOSE: I want you to know that I'm going to ensure
Your position as champ is completely secure
GREASEBALL: I know I'm winning this race, duh!
Stop grinning and cut to the chase!
CABOOSE: Rusty's got some power
We just haven't seen it yet
The rusty little engine
Could turn out to be a threat
GREASEBALL: I’m listening, keep talking
CABOOSE: If he can’t start, then he can win
Let’s wipe him out when the race begins
GREASEBALL: Oooh, that’s nasty…
I like it
CABOOSE: I thought you would
No more Mr. Goody-Good
Just ‘cause I smile all the time
Don’t mean I’m not into crime
Under the smiles, under the fun
I’m public enemy number one

2004 UK Tour Short Version Lyrics[]

CABOOSE: Oh Greaseball!
Oh Greaseball,
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
GREASEBALL: Yeah, what is it?
CABOOSE: I want you to know that I'm going to ensure
Your position as champ is completely secure
GREASEBALL: I know I'm winning this race,
Stop grinning and cut to the chase!
CABOOSE: The steam train's fast, we haven't seen it yet
But that rusty little engine could turn out to be a threat!
GREASEBALL: I'm listening, keep talking
CABOOSE: If he can't start, then he can't win
Let's wipe him out when the race begins!
GREASEBALL: Ohh, that's nasty....
I like it!
CABOOSE: I thought you would!
No more Mr. goody-good.
ELECTRA: Red Caboose you brought me all this way,
OK what you got to say?
CABOOSE: I couldn't say over the air
Want you to know I'm gonna wipe out Rusty!
ELECTRA: You? The Red Caboose?
CABOOSE: Hey! turn down the juice!
Just cos I smile all the time
Don't mean I'm not into crime
Being good just makes me mad
This little truck is oh so bad!

1988 German Lyrics[]

GREASEBALL: Hey, Caboose, du rufst mich?
Was willst du denn von mir?
CABOOSE: Ich wollte dir sagen, ich helf' dir heut Nacht,
Das Rennen wird ständig von mir überwacht,
Ich bremse Rusty!
GANG: Was? Du Saubermann?
GREASEBALL: Lasst ihn, Jungs, der ist ganz schön link.
Wir wiss'n jetzt Bescheid, doch vergiss nicht,
für wen du dies Rennen mitmachen sollst!
CABOOSE: Nur für dich!
ELECTRA: Red Caboose, du wolltest mich sehen?
Sag' schon, was ist denn gescheh'n?
CABOOSE: Electra! Ich bewundere dich sehr,
Ich rief dich aus gutem Grund hier her.
Nur keine Sorge, du wirst siegen,
Den ersten Platz im Rennen kriegen,
Denn ich werde Greaseball bremsen!
ELECTRA: Was? Du? Red Caboose? Hahaha
CABOOSE: Glaub' mir, ich tu's.
Wenn ich auch sehr freundlich bin,
Hab' ich doch Betrug im Sinn!
Jeder Held, egal wie klug,
Endet schließlich durch Betrug!
COMPONENTS: Robin Hood?
CABOOSE: Behielt die Beute!
COMPONENTS: Heidi?
CABOOSE: Ärgerte die Leute!
COMPONENTS: E.T.
CABOOSE: Durfte gar nicht fliegen!
COMPONENTS: Dagobert?
CABOOSE: Wollte Kermit kriegen!
COMPONENTS: Bambi?
CABOOSE: Stiftet Brand im Wald!
Und Caboose macht nicht vor Bösem halt!
Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu's!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Wenn man in der Zeitung lies:
Zug entgleißt!
Fragt man sich, wie das geschieht,
Keiner weiß, wenn der Zug mir nicht gefällt,
Folg' ich ihm
Und wenn dann kein Bremsschuh hält -
Ist er hin!
COMPONENTS: Haltet ihn!
CABOOSE: Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu's!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Überfall im Frachtzug -
Keiner sieht mich.
Wir fahren Nachtzug -
Sehr gefährlich!
Alle Welt sucht das Geld und findet's nicht.
Keiner glaubt, ich hätt's geraubt -
Sie irren sich!
COMPONENTS: Haltet ihn!
CABOOSE: Fair play, okay, Trugschluss!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Später sucht die Polizei den Grund,
Warum der Zug entgleißt.
Scheint, dass kein Zug halten kann,
Hängt an ihm der Bremswagon!
COMPONENTS: Holt sofort die Polizei, schon wieder ist ein Zug entgleißt!
Bremst den Zug!
CABOOSE: Fair play, okay, Trugschluss!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Man darf keinen Wagen trau'n,
Die nach beiden Seiten schau'n,
Ich trau' nur mir, weil ich damit nie verlier'.
Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu's!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Glaubt mir, ich tu's!
Ich Bin der Red Caboose!
ELECTRA: Was du sagst erstaunt mich nicht,
Aber wehe, wenn du dein Wort brichst!
Vergiss nicht, für wen du heut' kämpfst - HA!
CABOOSE: Nur für mich!

Shortened German Lyrics[]

CABOOSE: Greaseball! Hahaha
Herr Greaseball, ich muss Ihnen 'was sagen!
Nur ganz kurz?
GREASEBALL: Na gut, was willst du?
CABOOSE: Ich kann dafür sorgen, dass Sie heute siegen
Und von Anfang an vorne im Wettrennen liegen.
GREASEBALL: Das werd ich sowieso tun - klar?
Jetzt grins' nicht, was willst du denn nun?
CABOOSE: Die Dampflok ist schnell, das war bisher nicht klar,
Doch dieser Haufen Schrott ist eine wirkliche Gefahr.
GREASEBALL: Ich höre, sprich weiter!
CABOOSE: Doch wer nicht fährt, kann auch nicht siegen,
Ich bring' ihn dazu, aus der Bahn zu fliegen!
GREASEBALL: Oh...
Wie gemein!
Das mag ich!
CABOOSE: Jahahaha, das dacht' ich mir.
GREASEBALL: Plötzlich so böse? Was ist mit dir?
CABOOSE: Wenn ich auch sehr freundlich bin,
Hab' ich doch Betrug im Sinn.
Die nette Bahn von nebenan
Ist eigentlich ein Dunkelmann!
Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu's!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Wenn man in der Zeitung lies:
Zug entgleißt!
Fragt man sich, wie das geschieht,
Keiner weiß,
Wenn der Zug mir nicht gefällt,
Folg' ich ihm und wenn dann kein Bremsschuh hält -
Ist er hin!
COMPONENTS: Haltet ihn!
CABOOSE: Fair play, okay, Trugschluss!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Später sucht die Polizei den Grund,
Warum der Zug entgleißt.
Scheint, dass kein Zug halten kann,
Hängt an ihm der Bremswagon!
COMPONENTS: Holt sofort die Polizei, schon wieder ist ein Zug entgleißt!
Bremst den Zug!
CABOOSE: Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu's!
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose!
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose!
Glaubt mir, ich tu's!
Ich bin der Red Caboose!
ELECTRA: Was du sagst, erstaunt mich nicht,
Aber wehe, wenn du dein Wort brichst!
Vergiss nicht, für wen du heut' kämpfst!
CABOOSE: Nur für mich!

2017 London Workshop Lyrics[]

The workshop used the recent touring version of the conversation between Caboose and Greaseball, and the original 1984 material for Caboose and Electra, with a new lyric to suggest Caboose profits from crashing trains.

CB: Mr Greaseball!
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
GREASEBALL: Alright, what is it?
CB: I want you to know that I'm going to ensure
Your position as champ is completely secure
GREASEBALL: I know I'm winning this race,
Stop grinning and cut to the chase!
CB: The steam train's fast, we haven't seen it yet
But that rusty little engine could turn out to be a threat!
GREASEBALL: I'm listening, keep talking.
CB: If he can't start, then he can't win
Let's wipe him out when the race begins!
GREASEBALL: Ohh, that's nasty....
I like it!
CB: I thought you would!
Being good just makes me mad
This little truck is oh so bad
GREASEBALL: Just remember who's side you are on.
CB: I'm on mine!
ELECTRA: CB, you brought me all this way.
Okay, whatcha got to say?
CB: Couldn't say it over the air,
Want you to know I'm gonna wipe out Rusty!
ELECTRA: You?! The Red Caboose?!
CB: Hey! Shhhh!! Turn down the juice!
Just cause I smile all the time
Don't mean I'm not into crime!
ELECTRA: When you're at the back, I guess that you've
Got an awful lot to prove.
CB: Under the smiles, under the fun,
I'm public enemy number one!
Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
See the news on your TV -
Rail disaster
Ever wonder why was he -
Getting faster?
Every time a train ends up in the ditch
This small truck makes a buck
Ain't that rich?
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
Hiding at the back of the freight train,
Unsuspected
When they robbed the great train
I collected
Let the feds shake their heads, I'm on the loose!
There each time at the scene of the crime
The Red Caboose!
COMPONENTS: Stop that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
The state police they don't suspect
I got old ninety seven wrecked
Interpol don't know that I
Crossed the bridge on the river Kwai
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn't get the brakes
COMPONENTS: Somebody go fetch a cop
Another train just failed to stop
Brake that train!
CB: Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
Ten four Smokey bear I could be anywhere
You know I'm to blame but you don't know my name
Wide smile, high style, that's me
Out front, in back, C.B.
Wrong side of the track C.B.
C.B. Hanging loose
C.B. The Red Caboose!

2018 German Lyrics[]

CABOOSE: Hey Greaseball
Ich muss Ihnen was sagen, nur ganz kurz.
GREASEBALL: Na gut, was willst du?
CABOOSE: Ich kann dafür sorgen, dass Sie heute siegen
Von Anfang an vorne im Wettrennen liegen
GREASEBALL: Das werd ich sowieso tun, klar?
Jetzt grins nicht, was willst du denn nun?
CABOOSE: Die Dampflok ist schnell, das war bisher nicht klar
Aber dieser Haufen Schrott ist eine wirkliche Gefahr!
GREASEBALL: Ich höre, sprich weiter.
CABOOSE: Wenn er nicht fährt kann er nicht siegen.
Ich bring ihn dazu aus der Bahn zu fliegen!
GREASEBALL: Ohh, wie gemein...
Das mag ich!
CABOOSE: Das dachte ich mir!
Wenn ich auch sehr freundlich bin
Hab ich doch Betrug im Sinn.
Gut zu sein halt‘ ich nicht aus
Ich lass so gern das Böse raus!
GREASEBALL: Doch vergiss nicht für wen du heut kämpfst!
CABOOSE: Nur für mich!
ELECTRA: Caboose, wie gewünscht bin ich hier.
Schieß los, was willst du von mir?
CABOOSE: Ich hab ‘ne gute Nachricht für dich:
Ich werfe heute Rusty aus dem Rennen.
ELECTRA: Du? Warum denn das?
CABOOSE: Hey! Shhhh!! Ich sag dir was.
Wenn ich auch sehr freundlich bin,
Hab ich doch Betrug im Sinn.
ELECTRA: Wenn du immer nur ganz hinten hängst,
Klar, dass du an Böses denkst.
CABOOSE: Die nette Bahn von nebenan
Ist eigentlich ein Dunkelmann!
Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu‘s.
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose.
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose.
Wenn man in der Zeitung liest:
„Zug entgleist“
Fragt man sich wie das geschieht
Keiner weiß
Wenn ein Zug im Graben liegt, demoliert
Dann verdien ich Geld damit
Raffiniert!
COMPONENTS + ROCKIES: Stoppt den Zug!
CABOOSE: Fair play, Okay, Trugschluss.
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose
Ich bleib bei dem Raub auf den Geldzug
Unverdächtig
Der Unfall aber vom Schnellzug
Krachte mächtig
Keiner weiß was geschah oder wer es war!
Doch egal wann und wo es passiert
Ich bin schon da!
COMPONENTS + ROCKIES: Stoppt den Zug!
CABOOSE: FairPlay? Okay, Trugschluss.
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose
Vergeblich sucht die Polizei
Den Grund warum der Zug entgleist
Auf der Brücke am River Kwai
War ich damals auch dabei
Scheint, dass kein Zug halten kann
Hängt an ihm der Bremswaggon
ELECTRA: Ruft sofort die Polizei
Schon wieder ist ein Zug entgleist
ALL: Stoppt den Zug!
CABOOSE: Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu‘s.
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose
Krach, Boom, großer Schreck, schon bin ich wieder weg.
Ganz gleich was ich tu, keiner traut mir irgendwas zu.
Mein Spiel, mein Stil, ich tu‘s.
Vorwärts, rückwärts, Red Caboose
Irrtum, Irrweg, Red Caboose
Glaub mir, ich tu‘s
Ich bin der Red Caboose!

2024 Wembley Lyrics[]

Slick Oil: Hey Greaseball
Excuse me a minute? Just a word?
Greaseball: Alright, what is it?
Slick Oil: I’d like you to know that I’m going to ensure
Your position as champ is completely secure
Greaseball: I know I’m winning this race, duh!
Stop grinning and cut to the chase!
Rusty: Who’ll go with me?
Who’ll go with me?
Race behind me?
Slick Oil: The steam train’s fast, we haven’t seen it yet
But that rusty little engine could turn out to be a threat!
Greaseball: I’m listening, keep talking
Slick Oil: I’ll go with you
I’ll go with you
Race behind you
If he can't start, then he can’t win
Let’s wipe him out when the race begins!
Greaseball: Ohh, that’s nasty…
I like it
Slick Oil: I thought you would
Just cos I smile all the time
Don’t mean I’m not into crime
Being good just makes me mad
This little truck is oh so bad!
Greaseball: Just remember whose side you are on
Slick Oil: I’m on mine!
Wide Smile, High Smile, that’s me
Still quick, Still slick, you’ll see
Wide Smile, High Smile, that’s me
See the news on your TV - Rail Disaster
Ever wonder why was he getting faster?
Every time a train ends up in the ditch
This small truck makes a buck
Ain't that rich?
Electra: Slick, you brought me all this way
Okay, whatcha gotta say?
Slick Oil: Couldn’t say it over the air,
Wanted you to know I’m gonna wipe out Rusty!
Electra: You? An old oil tank?
Slick Oil: No, that’s fine
No need to thank me
Just cos I smile all the time
Don’t mean I’m not into crime!
Components: When you’re just a truck, I guess that you’ve
Got an awful lot to prove!
Slick Oil: Wide Smile, High Smile, that’s me
Still quick, Still slick, you’ll see
Wide Smile, High Smile, that’s me
The state police they don’t suspect
I got Ol’ Ninety Seven wrecked
Interpol don’t know that I
Crossed the bridge on the river Kwai
Seems like any train that takes me
Just doesn’t get the brakes
Now each time at the scene of the crime
You know who’s to blame
Components: Stop that train!
Wide Smile, High Style
Slick Oil: That's me!
Components: Still quick, still slick
Slick Oil: You'll see
Components: Wide Smile, High Style
Slick Oil: That’s me
It’s me you ought to thank
Still got plenty in the tank
You know I’m to blame but you don’t know my name
Slick Oil & Components: Wide Smile, High Style
Slick Oil: That's me
Slick Oil & Components: Still quick, still slick
Slick Oil: You'll see!
Components: Wide Smile, High Style
Slick Oil: Dirty tricks
Shhh…
Let’s get Slick!
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