Wreck Of The Old 97 - John Mellencamp

Well, they gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia

Saying, «Steve, you’re way behind the times»

This is not 38, this is old 97

So get her into Spencer on time

Well, he turned around and 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

Shoulda seen the jump he had to make

They were going down the grade at 90 miles an hour

When the whistle broke into a scream

He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle

Scalded to death by the steam

Well, a telegram came from Washington city

And this is how the telegram read

That the brave engineer in the old 97

Is layin' 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 lovin' husband

'Cause he may never return

No, he may never return