Wreck of the Old 97 (Stereo Version)

Well, they gave him his orders in Monroe, Virginian
Said, "Steve, you're way behind time
"This is not 38, this is Ol'97
"Give us put her into Spencer on time."
Then he turned around and said to his black, greasy fireman
"Shovel on a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak mountain
"Watch Ol'97 roll."

But it's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville
In a line on a three mile grade
It was on that grade where he lost his air brakes
So you what a jump he made
He was goin' down grade makin' ninety miles an hour
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

And then a telegran come from Washington station
And this is how it read
"Oh that brave engineer that run Ol'97
"Is lyin' in Danville dead

So now, all you ladies, you must all take warning
From this time on and learn
This is what it read
Never speak harsh words to your true-lovin' husband
He may leave you and never return