Wreck of The Old 97 - John Mellencamp
When they give him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
Sayin', "Steve, you're way behind the times"
"This is not 38, this is Old 97"
"So get here in Spencer, on time"
Well he turned around his head, said to his old greasy fireman
"Shovel on a little more coal"
"When we cross that big White Mountain"
"You'll be watchin' Old 97 start to roll"
Well it's a mighty long road from Lynchburg down to Danville
On a line of three-mile grade
It was on that grade that he lost his airbrakes
You should of seen the jump he had to make
He was goin' down grade at 90 miles an hour
When his whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
Was scalded to death by the steam
When the telegram came from Washington city
And this is how the telegram read
"That the brave engineer in the old 97"
"Is laid out in Danville and he's dead"
Now all of you ladies
Take heed and take warning
And try to learn
Never speak harsh words
Against your loving husband
'Cause he may never return
No he may never return
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