Wreck of the Old '97

(Henry Whittler - Charlie W. Noell - Fred J. Lewey)



They gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia

Saying Steve you're way behind time

This is not 38 but that is old 97

You must put her in Spencer on time.



Then he looked around and said to his black greasy fireman

Just shovel on a little more coal

And when we cross that White Oak Mountain

You can watch old 97 roll.



--- Instrumental ---



It's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville

With a line on a three mile grade

It was on that grade where he lost his airbrakes

So you see what a jump he made.



He was going down the grade making ninety miles an hour

When his whistle broke into a scream

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

And scalded to death by the steam.



--- Instrumental ---



Now ladies you must all take a warning

From this time on and learn

Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband

He may leave you and never return...