Wreck of the Old 97

When they give him his orders at Monroe, Virginia

Sayin', "Steve, you're way behind the times"

"This is not 38, this is Old 97"

"So get here in Spencer, on time"

Well he turned around his head, said to his old greasy fireman

"Shovel on a little more coal"

"When we cross that big White Mountain"

"You'll be watchin' Old 97 start to roll"

Well it's a mighty long road from Lynchburg down to Danville

On a line of three-mile grade

It was on that grade that he lost his airbrakes

You should of seen the jump he had to make

He was goin' down grade at 90 miles an hour

When his whistle broke into a scream

He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle

Was scalded to death by the steam

When the telegram came from Washington city

And this is how the telegram read

"That the brave engineer in the old 97"

"Is laid out in Danville and he's dead"

Now all of you ladies

Take heed and take warning

And try to learn

Never speak harsh words

Against your loving husband

'Cause he may never return

No he may never return