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