Wreck of the Old 97 Lyrics
(Johnny Cash - Bob Johnson - Norman Blake)
© '57 Unichappell Music, BMI / Slapich Music, BMI
Well they gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia
Said Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38 this is old 97 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 old 97 roll
[ guitar ]
And then a telegram come from Washington station this is how it read
Oh that brave engineer that run old 97 he's laying in old Danville dead
Cause he was goin' down the grade makin' 90 miles an hour
His whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
Scalded to death by the steam (one more time)
[ guitar ]
So now all you ladies you better 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 poor boy
