"Wreck Of The Old '97" lyrics - RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOTT

They give him his orders in Monroe, Virginia
Sayin', "Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38, she's old 97
And you got to get in Spencer on time"

It's a long hard road
From Lynchburg to Danville
On a line with a three mile grade
It was on that grade that he lost his airbrakes
And you see what a jump you made

Steve would turn around to his black and greasy fireman
Sayin', "Shovel on a little more coal
And when we hit that bridge
Goin' 'round that White Oak Mountain
You can watch old 97 roll"

They were coming down the grade doin' 90 miles an hour
When the whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck
With his hand on the throttle
He was scalded to death by the steam

Now ladies, you mistress, head to my warning
From this day on and learn
Never speak harsh words to your true loving husband
He may leave you and never return