Wreck of '97 

 

 

They gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia. 

Saying Steve you're away behind time. 

This is not thirty-eight but it's old Ninety Seven, 

You must put her in Spencer on time. 

Steve Brooklyn said to his black greasy fire-man 

Just shovel in a little more coal, 

And when we cross that White Oak Mountain 

You can watch old ninety seven roll. 

It's a mighty rough road from Linchburg to Danville 

And a line on a three mile grade. 

It was on this grade that he lost his air-brakes 

And you see what a jump he made. 

He was going down grade making  ninety miles an hour, 

When his whistle began to scream. 

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

And was scalded to death by the steam. 

Come all you young ladies you must take warning. 

From this time now and on  

Never speak harsh words to a loving husband, 

For he may leave you and never return.