Wreck of the Old 97

They gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
Saying, Steve, you're way behind time
This is not Thirty-Eight, but it's old Ninety-Seven
You must put her in Spencer on time

He looked 'round and said to his black greasy fireman
Just shovel in a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak Mountain
You can watch old Ninety Seven roll

It's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville
And a line on a three mile grade
It was on this grade that he lost his air brakes
And you see what a jump he made

He was going down grade making ninety miles an hour
When his whistle began to scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
And was scalded to death with the steam

So now, fair ladies, you must take warning
From this time now on learn
Never speak harsh words to your true loving husband
He may leave you and never return