Wreck Of The Old 97 Lyrics
(Johnny Cash - Bob Johnson - Norman Blake)
© '57 Unichappell Music, BMI / Slapich Music, BMI
They gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia said Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38 this is old 97 you must put her into Spencer on time
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 the telegram came to Washington station this is how it read
It said that brave engineer that has run old 97 he's laying down in Danville dead
He was goin' down the grade makin' 90 miles an hour when whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
Scalded to death by the steam
[ guitar ]
So now all you pretty ladies you better take a warning from this time on and learn
Don't you speak hard words to your true lover husband
He may leave you and never return
